Lando Norris Grabs Monaco Pole After Tough F1 S...read more

Lando Norris Grabs Monaco Pole After Tough F1 Stretch: “It’s Been a Long Time Coming”

Lando Norris bounced back in style on Saturday, securing pole position for the Monaco Grand Prix with a record-breaking lap, marking a major turnaround after a difficult run in Formula 1.

The McLaren driver, who had trailed teammate Oscar Piastri in recent races and slipped 13 points behind in the standings due to costly mistakes, delivered a brilliant 1m09.954s lap in Q3 to take pole — his first since the season opener in Australia.

Reflecting on the result, Norris said: “It’s been a long time coming. It feels incredible, especially after the tough couple of months I’ve had — and to do it here in Monaco, one of the most challenging tracks, makes it even better.”

His lap not only beat out Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, the local favourite, but also set a new fastest time ever around the Monte Carlo circuit. Norris credited McLaren’s recent efforts for the result, saying, “The team has worked so hard over the last few months. I’m really proud of everyone.”

Norris initially took provisional pole but was under pressure after Leclerc posted a 1m10.063s. On his final attempt, part of McLaren’s two-lap strategy, he pushed harder and dipped below the 1m10s barrier to clinch the top spot.

“When it comes down to the final lap in Q3, it’s about who’s willing to take that extra risk,” Norris explained. “It was a clean, well-executed lap. It feels great when everything comes together.”

While starting from pole is a major advantage in Monaco where overtaking is notoriously difficult a new rule requiring two pit stops for Sunday’s race introduces added uncertainty.

Asked about the potential impact of the regulation, Norris said, “Honestly, I have no idea. Right now, I just want to enjoy today. We’ve worked hard for this moment, and tonight I’ll start thinking about the race. But for now, I’m happy and proud of what we’ve achieved.”

With momentum back on his side, Norris heads into Sunday’s race aiming to turn his stellar qualifying into a much-needed victory on one of F1’s most prestigious stages.