Lando Norris Secures Pole Position in Thrilling Monaco Grand Prix Qualifying
Charles Leclerc Takes Second as McLaren Shows Strong Performance in Monaco
In a gripping qualifying session for the 82nd Monaco Grand Prix, Lando Norris clinched pole position with a blistering time of 1:09.954, setting a new lap record on the iconic street circuit.
The McLaren driver’s performance eclipsed the previous record, held by Lewis Hamilton at 1:10.166 since 2019.
Charles Leclerc, driving for Ferrari, was the favorite after dominating the earlier practice sessions.
He initially raised hopes with a fast lap of 1:10.063, placing him second on the grid.
However, despite his impressive efforts, he was unable to surpass Norris in the final moments of the session.
Oscar Piastri, the current leader in the World Championship standings, secured the third position in another McLaren, while Hamilton and Max Verstappen rounded out the top five, with Hamilton finishing fourth and Verstappen in fifth, struggling with tire issues.
French drivers Isack Hadjar and Esteban Ocon finished strongly, with Hadjar taking sixth place and Ocon making a notable comeback to finish in eighth.
However, Alpine faced setbacks as Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto did not advance past the first qualifying round, finishing 18th and 20th, respectively.
Prior to qualifying, Leclerc led the practice sessions, clocking a best time of 1:10.953, showing strong form on soft tires.
Verstappen placed second in practice with 1:11.233, though he reported difficulties with tire grip towards the session's end.
In contrast, Hamilton faced challenges when he struck the barriers, leading to a red flag and ending his session prematurely.
The qualifying round unfolded under favorable conditions, with air temperatures at 21 degrees Celsius and asphalt at 41 degrees.
The race promises to be strategic, with the FIA mandating two mandatory pit stops for tire changes, further complicating the drivers' strategies for the race to be held on Sunday at 3 PM, involving 78 laps over a total distance of 260.286 kilometers.
The McLaren driver’s performance eclipsed the previous record, held by Lewis Hamilton at 1:10.166 since 2019.
Charles Leclerc, driving for Ferrari, was the favorite after dominating the earlier practice sessions.
He initially raised hopes with a fast lap of 1:10.063, placing him second on the grid.
However, despite his impressive efforts, he was unable to surpass Norris in the final moments of the session.
Oscar Piastri, the current leader in the World Championship standings, secured the third position in another McLaren, while Hamilton and Max Verstappen rounded out the top five, with Hamilton finishing fourth and Verstappen in fifth, struggling with tire issues.
French drivers Isack Hadjar and Esteban Ocon finished strongly, with Hadjar taking sixth place and Ocon making a notable comeback to finish in eighth.
However, Alpine faced setbacks as Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto did not advance past the first qualifying round, finishing 18th and 20th, respectively.
Prior to qualifying, Leclerc led the practice sessions, clocking a best time of 1:10.953, showing strong form on soft tires.
Verstappen placed second in practice with 1:11.233, though he reported difficulties with tire grip towards the session's end.
In contrast, Hamilton faced challenges when he struck the barriers, leading to a red flag and ending his session prematurely.
The qualifying round unfolded under favorable conditions, with air temperatures at 21 degrees Celsius and asphalt at 41 degrees.
The race promises to be strategic, with the FIA mandating two mandatory pit stops for tire changes, further complicating the drivers' strategies for the race to be held on Sunday at 3 PM, involving 78 laps over a total distance of 260.286 kilometers.
