Norris fires back at media ‘crap’ after Monaco triumph

©McLaren

40

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."

"I know the truth" – Norris Rebuilds Confidence

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.”

Read also: F1i Driver Ratings for the 2025 Monaco GP

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.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.