Lando Norris Delighted to Secure Pole Position Against ‘Hometown Hero’ Charles Leclerc at Monaco GP

Lando Norris couldn't contain his excitement after snatching pole position from Charles Leclerc at the Monaco GP.

Lando Norris Delighted to Secure Pole Position Against ‘Hometown Hero’ Charles Leclerc at Monaco GP

Lando Norris (via Getty), Charles Leclerc (via Ferrari)

Lando Norris seems to have found his lost pace midway through the 2025 season. The Briton has lost a lot of points in the championship standings due to the mistakes he committed. However, Norris arrived at the Monaco GP with great confidence and looked strong in his performances. Now, the 25-year-old teases the local hero Charles Leclerc after snatching the pole from the latter in the Qualifying session.

McLaren’s dominant pace has helped the two drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, stay at the top of their game against their rivals. While other drivers have occasionally come to the top, Woking’s consistency has helped them remain victorious. Despite Charles Leclerc being a multiple-time pole sitter in Monaco, Norris achieved his maiden pole in Monaco by edging the former by a tight margin.

Lando Norris lodged a 1:09.954s lap time in the qualifying session and not only achieved the pole but also the track record for the fastest time. Leclerc was just two-tenths shy of starting the race from P1 on Sunday, as Ferrari’s performance struggles seem to have limited him. Norris was spotted being tearful and emotional after clinching the pole position over the local hero.

Norris reckons that his pole position was a long time coming as he finally achieved it after over five races of tasting defeat. Moreover, the 25-year-old pointed out that his struggles over the past month had seemed to ease up now after achieving the pole. The Briton further asserted that achieving a P1 start in Monaco was hard, especially against the ‘hometown hero’ Charles Leclerc.

It’s been a long time coming. I feel good! I don’t think you realise how good this feels after quite a few struggles over the past few months. And here, a hard place to do it and up against the hometown hero as well.

Lando Norris said in a post-session interview

Lando Norris applauds McLaren for ‘amazing job’ in Monaco

McLaren had kept up with their dominant performance with Oscar Piastri as he continued his flawless run. However, Lando Norris now seems to have gotten the hang of it after having to fight with the car in his earlier races. After achieving the pole position, Norris didn’t hesitate to applaud his team for the hard work over the weekend.

Zak Brown and Lando Norris (via IMAGO)
Zak Brown and Lando Norris (via IMAGO)

Lando Norris issued his heartfelt gratitude to McLaren for doing an amazing job. Additionally, he accepted that such days of happiness aren’t easy to come by, especially in recent months, as he faced a slump in performance. Norris emphasized the delight he felt after crossing the line as the pole sitter for the main race of the Monaco GP.

The team have done an amazing job so thanks to everyone – as these days don’t come easy. It was a nice lap, it feels very good when you cross the line and it all pays off so I’m very happy.

Lando Norris noted

Still, the Monaco GP has been made a mandatory two-stop race to make it more exciting and enjoyable. Hence, anything could happen on Sunday as the teams race through these changes for the first time. Regardless, Norris has a great shot at emerging victorious after starting ahead of the rest of the grid on the track.

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