©McLaren
Lando Norris silenced critics in the most spectacular way possible by storming to victory in Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix – then promptly used the post-race spotlight to hit back at the media over what he described as misleading coverage of his recent form.
Having faced a string of frustrating qualifying sessions since winning the season opener in Australia, the McLaren driver stunned the paddock by breaking the Monaco lap record to snatch pole position from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, before going on to seal his first career win in Monte Carlo.
But while the champagne flowed and his title bid reignited – with Norris now just three points behind team-mate Oscar Piastri – the Briton made it clear he hadn’t forgotten the headlines that had preceded his Monaco breakthrough.
“Yeah, people can write what they want. It’s not up to me,” Norris told media after the race.
“People have their own opinions, they can do all of those things. Thing is, none of them are true, 99% of the time. So, it’s all crap."
While critics speculated about a dip in performance, Norris said he remained focused on the reality behind the scenes – rebuilding confidence and refining car setup.
“I don’t mind what people write as long as I know the truth and my team know the truth, and that’s fine,” he explained.
“I’ve been working hard over the last few months to get back to having that momentum that I had in Australia, that confidence."
“What I felt this weekend was a small step forward, but it’s not it. It’s not like I’ve nailed it now and everything’s back.”
Norris emphasized the progress is still ongoing, with both driver and team playing a part.
“There are still things that I need to work on, there are still things that – as a team – them giving me the equipment – and I don’t mean just making a quicker car, because the car’s quick enough – but giving me the things I need from the car in order to excel and maximise results, and the differences from last year to this year.”
©McLaren
His proudest moment? Not Sunday’s iconic win, but Saturday’s pole.
“So, still things from both sides, but I’m very proud of [pole]. I’m happier with Saturday’s result than I am of [the win]. I mean, it's incredible, but I was more emotional [after qualifying] than I was [after winning].”
From stinging headlines to Monaco masterclass, Norris is back in the title hunt — and he’s bringing some honest fire with him.
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