Lando Norris takes pleasure in Charles Leclerc pain after Monaco record smashed
Charles Leclerc thought for a moment that he had secured pole position at the Monaco Grand Prix, only for Lando Norris to produce a record-breaking lap to deny him
Lando Norris said it was "that little bit sweeter" to deny home hero Charles Leclerc pole with a record-breaking lap at the Monaco Grand Prix. Norris needed the fastest lap ever around the Monte Carlo circuit to thwart the Ferrari man who had dominated all three practice sessions.
But that was exactly what the Brit produced, banishing his qualifying demons to secure a first pole since the opening weekend in Melbourne more than two months ago. "It's been a long time coming, so I feel good," smiled the McLaren racer.
"I don't think you realize how good this feels, for quite a few struggles over the last few months. Especially here in Monaco, it's a beautiful place, the hardest track probably to do it and up against the hometown hero as well.
"I'm very proud of the whole team, we've been working a lot this week and actually over the last few months to get to a day like today, so I'm very pleased. To do it here in Monaco is extra special and to do it ahead of Charles is that little bit sweeter."
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Monte Carlo-born Leclerc won in his hometown for the first time last year and is eyeing back-to-back successes on Sunday. He thought he had done enough with his final flying lap to secure the best possible starting place – as did the locals who roared their approval as he shot to the top of the times.
But Norris was still a threat and his 1:09.954 effort made him the first man ever to need less than 70 seconds to complete a full lap of this historic circuit. Leclerc swore repeatedly over the radio when told he had been pipped to pole and the disappointment on his face was obvious as he reflected on what might have been.
He said: "At the end of the day, this was the best we could do. I think the lap was really good. I'm 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. Starting second here... it's going to be tricky to take first place."
All drivers are required to make two pit stops today – a rule brought in by F1 bosses to liven up a race which has become mostly a dull procession in recent years. Norris laughed as he admitted he wished that wasn't the case after taking pole but, beyond that, was unwilling to make any predictions for the race.
He said: "I've absolutely no idea and, at the minute, I don't care. I'm going to enjoy today, having worked hard for today." While McLaren and Ferrari shone, it was a miserable day for Mercedes who saw 18-year-old rookie Kimi Antonelli crash out and George Russell suffer a power failure.
They will start 14th and 15th and boss Toto Wolff labelled the day "abysmal" for his team. London-born Thai Alex Albon made the top 10 for Williams but Oliver Bearman will start last in his Haas due to a 10-place grid penalty confirmed on Friday.
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