Lando Norris put everything together in the final moments of qualifying in Monte Carlo, securing a critical Pole Position.
Having gone several Grand Prix without a victory of Pole, yesterday’s session was an important boost for Norris.
The British driver managed to get the edge over teammate Oscar Piastri and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
It was Leclerc, who was fastest in all free practice sessions, that came closest to defeating the 25-year-old in Monte Carlo.
When reflecting on his session, the Monegasque believes Ferrari lacked the ultimate pace compared to McLaren.
Norris takes crucial Pole Position in title bid
After his spin at the Australian GP, Oscar Piastri has put together an extremely impressive run of results.
The Australian has generally had the measure of teammate Norris, who is currently 13 points behind Piastri in the standings.
In Monaco, however, a series of mistakes and scruffy laps prevented the #81 car from setting the fastest time.
Instead it was Norris, who has been vocal about his discomfort in the MCL39, that claimed his second Pole Position of 2025.
The 25-year-old has worked hard to better optimise this year’s package, with yesterday’s results representing a good step in this pursuit.
Charles Leclerc was his biggest challenger, with the Ferrari driver consistently fighting at the front in his SF-25.
Leclerc’s own expectations heading into this weekend were not very optimistic, with Ferrari anticipating a difficult challenge in low-speed corners.
This could not be further from the truth, however, with Ferrari establishing themselves as McLaren’s main rivals in Monaco.
Because of the specific nature of the Monte Carlo circuit, it would be a stretch to assume that Fred Vasseur’s team can consistently challenge McLaren.
Regardless, this is an impressive showing from the Italian outfit.
Ferrari, Leclerc within striking range
Traditionally, qualifying in Monaco can essentially make or break a driver’s chances of scoring points.
The same can be said this weekend, although the introduction of a mandatory two-stop could create some surprises in the Grand Prix.
Ferrari will be frustrated that they don’t have the benefit of two drives fighting at the front.
Were it not for Lewis Hamilton’s 3-place grid penalty, the Scuderia would have two drivers to put pressure on the McLaren duo.
However, having been relegated to a P7 grid start, the Italian team’s aim of securing victory will be that much harder.
Still, Leclerc is pragmatic about the situation, left with a bitter-sweet feeling to narrowly miss out on Pole Position:
“Well, there’s always something more to be done. No, I mean, at the end of the day, this was the best we could do.
“I think the lap was really good. The first lap was a little bit of a shame because that gives you a bit more confidence for the second run when you have a first good lap.
“I couldn’t have that – I had to deal with traffic, but it’s the way it is.
“Just obviously very frustrated. We know that we don’t quite have the car to go for wins this year, but this weekend the car felt good.
“And starting second here is going to be tricky to then take that first place.”
Main photo: Clive Rose/Getty Images
