Norris reflects on ‘smart’ driving and emotional pole in Monaco

Lando Norris believes his stunning pole position for the Monaco Grand Prix wasn’t just about speed, but about a smarter, more complete approach to qualifying – something he feels he’s struggled to deliver since the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season.

The McLaren driver will lead the grid on Sunday after delivering a track-record lap of 1m09.954s in the final stages of Q3, beating out local favourite Charles Leclerc and teammate Oscar Piastri.

The pole is Norris’s first since the season opener in Australia, and it arrives after a string of disappointing Saturdays that had seen him criticised for failing to execute during the critical final segment of qualifying.

Smart, Not Just Fast: Norris Breaks Down His Pole Lap

Norris credited the pole not just to raw speed, but to a “mix” of factors – from the characteristics of Monaco itself to tweaks in his driving approach and mindset.

“There's probably a small mix of both of these things: from the car, and it being Monaco and a very different layout, and a very different style of driving that's needed here,” Norris explained.

“It's a lot more risk and commitment rather than just absolute car balance in a way. But there's also things that I've been working on to improve to do a better job again – not because I'm not at the pace, but because I'm never putting it together come Q3.”

That’s where Saturday stood out: Norris, using a two-run strategy on his final set of soft tyres, built confidence and refined his rhythm. The result was not just the fastest lap of the weekend, but a feeling of personal vindication.

“Today was probably the first time since Australia that I've really put it all together. It's not like I'm driving quicker, I'm driving in a better way, in a smarter way. There's lot of work that's gone on.”

An Emotional Pole and a Step Forward

Norris didn’t downplay the personal meaning of this result, especially after months of pressure to convert McLaren’s growing pace into top grid spots. He admitted the pole would have been special regardless of the venue — but doing it in Monaco made it all the more powerful.

“For me, even if I was [on] pole in any other track, I think it probably would have been the pole that's meant the most to me,” Norris said.

“It probably means even more that it's Monaco, but more because of what's happened over the last couple [of] months. It may not seem like a lot, but for me it's quite a big thing. It's a very, very good moment.”

Despite the buzz around the pole, Norris stopped short of declaring it a turning point. Instead, he views it as a single, meaningful step in a longer road toward qualifying consistency — something he admits remains elusive.

“I think to classify it as a breakthrough; I think you also need consistency of results. I can look at it both ways, and I can easily see the positives,” he said.

“It's a breakthrough that I just I had a good Saturday, for me it's at least a step in the right direction, which I'm very happy about.”

“But it's still one weekend, consistency is a big part of it too and I'll be happier if I know that I can get to that point.”

• Read also: Piastri owns up to ‘untidy’ Monaco weekend after qualifying P3

Norris will have the best track position on the grid at the most unforgiving circuit in Formula 1 — a race where control, pace, and patience matter more than perhaps anywhere else.

But after months of frustration, Saturday’s pole was a declaration that Lando Norris is, once again, a force in qualifying.

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