Lando Norris stormed to a sensational pole position at the Monaco Grand Prix, edging out Charles Leclerc and McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri in a nail-biting finale that saw the Briton set a new lap record around the streets of Monte Carlo.
The 24-year-old delivered under immense pressure in the closing moments of Q3. He was posting a blistering 1m 09.954s to seize his second pole of the season, and first since the Australian Grand Prix. It marked McLaren’s first pole in Monaco since 2007.
The emotions ran high for Norris in Monaco
“It’s been a long time coming so I feel good,” said Norris afterwards. “I don’t think you realise how good this feels after quite a few struggles over the last couple of months.”
Norris had shown flashes of pace earlier in the session. He topped Q2 and ended Leclerc’s run of leading every session heading into Qualifying. But it was in Q3 where he truly delivered. He was taking advantage of McLaren’s bold call to send both drivers out early for two flying laps, a strategy that paid off handsomely.
“When you get to Q3, the final lap in a sense is about who can risk a little bit more, who can commit a little bit more,” Norris explained. “It was a nice lap. It was a well put together lap and it feels good when you cross the line and know it’s all paid off. I’m very happy.“
Leclerc, desperate to deliver at his home race, looked poised to snatch pole late on, after an excellent middle sector. But Norris held firm with a flawless final effort that denied the Monegasque in front of his adoring home crowd.
“Especially here in Monaco, it’s a beautiful place and probably the hardest track to do it up against the hometown hero as well,” Norris said. “I’m very proud of the whole team – we’ve worked a lot this week, and over the last few months to get to a day like today so very pleased.”
McLaren took no risks
McLaren’s approach to Q3, diverging from most of the grid by completing two runs with a cooldown lap in between, was a risk on paper. But not in Norris’ view.
“No risk from our side. It’s what we believed was best before Quali and it’s what was proven to be best after,” he insisted. “We stuck to what we believed in. Like I said, the team have done an amazing job, so thanks to everyone here and everyone back at the factory. These days don’t come easy. Proud to give something back to them.“
Victory in Monaco remains one of the sport’s most coveted achievements. Though Norris has stood on the podium here before—notably in 2021—the top step has eluded him. With a two-stop strategy mandated for Sunday’s race to spice up the action, nothing will come easy.
“Honestly, I’ve absolutely no idea and at the minute I don’t care,” said Norris, when asked about the race strategy. “I’m going to enjoy today – I’ve worked hard for today. That’s what tonight is for, to prepare for tomorrow.”
He added: “I’m just very pleased with today, I’m happy with Quali so I’m going to live the moment for a bit and then I’ll focus on tomorrow.”
In a season that’s seen Norris return to form and McLaren emerge as serious contenders, pole in Monaco is a fitting reward. It also sends a warning to their rivals that they mean business.
