Lando Norris clinched pole at the Monaco GP, edging out Charles Leclerc in a tense F1 qualifying session for McLaren.
Norris secured an impressive pole position in Monaco after a fierce battle with Charles Leclerc during qualifying. The McLaren F1 driver is pleased to have beaten the Monegasque driver twice to start first tomorrow.
“It’s been a while, so I’m happy! I realise how good it feels after struggling in qualifying over the past few months. It’s even better to do it here in Monaco, it’s a beautiful place, the toughest circuit, and against the local hero, so I’m proud of the whole team who worked hard for days like this,” said Norris.
Norris Delivers, No Doubts
McLaren had their drivers complete two laps on the same set of tyres in Q3, but the Briton wasn’t concerned: “No risk, we thought it was the best thing to do, and it paid off! We stuck to what we believed in, the team did an incredible job here and at the factory, because days like these don’t come easily, and it’s thanks to them.”
Improving at the end of the session is still the hardest part: “That’s the tricky bit, we try to find time consistently because others are going to get faster and faster. When you get to Q3, you can take more risks, but it was a nice lap and it feels great when you cross the line. It paid off, so I’m happy.”
Asked about the many possible strategies for tomorrow’s race, Norris brushed it off: “I have no idea, and right now I don’t care! I’m enjoying today, and tonight we’ll get ready for tomorrow. But I’m happy with the qualifying, I’m going to enjoy it for a bit and then focus on tomorrow.”
“I hit more walls this weekend than in my entire career!”
Piastri Perseveres Through Pressure
Oscar Piastri was slightly behind Norris and Leclerc at the end of a session in which he made two mistakes. The Australian is nonetheless satisfied with his third place, as he feared a worse result after a weekend notably marked by a crash in FP2.
“Intense, as always here!” said Piastri about qualifying. “It reminded me of last year, the first lap was good, and I made a mistake at the chicane on the second lap. But beating Lando was going to be tough, well done to him, and I’m still happy. It’s been a tricky weekend and finishing with a good lap is a good result.”
He explained the risks taken to reach such a performance level: “I hit more walls this weekend than in the rest of my career! It was tough, I struggled to get into the rhythm. I was more satisfied in qualifying, I was able to get into the rhythm.”
Strategy will be crucial with two mandatory pit stops: “We’ve thought about it, but a lot depended on qualifying. We’re in a good position, but it’s going to be an exciting race tomorrow.”
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