Lando Norris says he is proud of his Monaco Grand Prix victory, but insists he’s not focused on the championship battle heading into the Spanish GP, despite narrowing the points gap to McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri.
While not the most challenging race of his career, Norris described his 2025 Monaco win—his second of the season—as one he will “remember forever”. The result brought him closer to current championship leader Piastri as the European leg of the season continues.
Speaking during Thursday’s press conference, the 25-year-old reflected on his triumph, dismissed concerns over the new technical directive set to debut in Spain, and downplayed any immediate title ambitions.
Memorializing Monaco
Ahead of the Spanish GP, Norris made it clear that his win in Monte Carlo wasn’t “just any win in Formula 1”. Given the circuit’s rich history and prestige, the Briton said he felt very proud of the achievement.
Norris told the media, “I mean, [the win is] special for different reasons. Was it probably the hardest-fought race? Probably not, but that’s Monaco. Is it the one that means the most? The one with the most pressure on a Saturday? The one everyone wants to win? Then yes. It’s more just the meaning behind it—the history behind the week itself, the racetrack, the people who have won there.”
“The prestigiousness of where it is and what kind of event it is. So is it the one I’m probably most proud of? I would say so. One that I’ll remember forever. I think it’s everything everyone talks it up to be and more. Because it’s something that you’re proud to say, it’s not just any win in Formula 1. It’s the one. So pretty cool.”
While he admitted the race itself was not the most demanding, the weekend still came with its fair share of intensity. When asked he felt calm, the McLaren driver answered, “In the car, no! Especially in Qualifying.“
Norris continued, “I don’t think I felt anything close to calm. Qualifying in Monaco is the best laps of the year. I think it’s the best in Formula 1—or just motor sport in general. It’s the one that brings you the most excitement, the most fear, the most uncomfortableness. And at the same time, when you cross the line, the one that brings you the biggest smile. Saturday is perfect. Sunday, not always known to be the best race of the season, but still a great race for many reasons.”
Calm even with a new technical directive
The FIA is introducing a new technical directive for the Spanish GP requiring teams to further limit front wing flex to prevent any potential aerodynamic advantages. But Norris is unfazed by the update.
When asked whether the changes could impact McLaren’s performance, he was blunt: “Nope. Not at all.”
The McLaren driver added, “Like Carlos said, there are little tweaks here and there. But no, nothing that will change how we have to do anything.”
Championship fight not influencing approach
Despite being just three points behind Piastri in the standings, Norris insisted he isn’t letting the title chase influence his mindset heading into Barcelona.
When asked his championship chances, Norris answered, “I think you ask me this question every week. It’s the same answer. Like I say always, it’s a great feeling to be in the lead of the championship and to have more points than everyone. But again, it’s not something I look at.“
“It’s not something that changes anything I do day to day. Doesn’t change how hard I work or what I try to achieve. I just try and win this weekend, and I’ll try and win in Montreal, and I’ll try and win in Austria. It’s got nothing to do with what position I am. And no, I think mathematically, there’s still probably the whole grid that can win the championship at the minute.”
He also pushed back on suggestions that the title fight is only between himself and Piastri.
“So, if you think it’s just out of me and Oscar, then I think you’re a bit silly. I think there’s plenty of opportunities. Max can still win. I think Ferrari— they’re Ferrari, I expect them to get better through the season. But yeah, come on. We’re racing Max every weekend. He’s been on the podium several times. He’s won races. He beat us in Imola fair and square because he was quicker. So I don’t know what possibly makes you think that it’s only between me and Oscar.”
