According to Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur, Lando Norris was fortunate during the Miami GP as the safety car did not pick him up but instead stopped Max Verstappen as the first car.
The safety car period, initiated by a collision between Kevin Magnussen and Logan Sargeant, led to confusion and astonishment. In an unexpected turn of events, the safety car did not pick up Lando Norris, who was leading the race, but instead picked up Max Verstappen. This allowed Norris to create a gap from the other cars and make a pit stop.
Despite the unusual circumstances, Lando Norris managed to retain his lead after exiting the pits, a scenario that may not have unfolded if the safety car had not intervened. Ferrari’s Frederic Vasseur acknowledged Norris’ stroke of luck in the situation.
“I would say Lando Norris was somewhat fortunate as he was the only car on the track that was able to carry on,” commented Vasseur. “It was especially significant that they placed the safety car in front of Max Verstappen.”
“Since they are accustomed to seeing Verstappen in the lead, they positioned the safety car in a way that ultimately benefitted Norris,” Vasseur added.