McLaren’s Lando Norris wins Monaco Grand Prix
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McLaren's Lando Norris celebrates after winning the Monaco Grand Prix on May 25.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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MONACO – Lando Norris won a highly strategic Monaco Grand Prix from pole position on May 25 to slash McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri’s Formula One lead to three points.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished runner-up in his home race which he won last season, with Piastri third and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen fourth – all four finishing in the same order they started.
The race featured two mandatory pit stops for the first time. But hopes of more action around the famed harbour-side circuit fell short, with drivers playing a waiting game and Norris ultimately lapping all but four cars on his way to a first Monaco victory.
“It feels amazing. It’s a long, gruelling race, but good fun. We could push for much of the race. The last quarter was stressful with Charles behind and Max ahead,” said the Briton.
“This is what I dreamt of when I was a kid, so I achieved one of my dreams.
“The worst bit was the end. I felt quite under control the whole race, but Max was backing it up a little bit and I knew Charles had opportunities.
“I tried to back off Max so I could push when I needed to. I’m very happy, my team are very happy. Therefore we’re going to have a wonderful night!”
Norris has now 158 points in the drivers’ standings, behind leader Piastri (161).
Behind the top four, Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton was fifth, ahead of Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar, Haas’ Esteban Ocon and Hadjar’s teammate Liam Lawson.
The Williams duo of Alexander Albon and Carlos Sainz finished ninth and 10th respectively.
Leclerc said that it all went wrong during qualifying.
“At the end of the day, we lost the race yesterday,” he said. “We should have done a better job. Lando did a better job this weekend and deserved the win.
“I realised a childhood dream last year, not this year but, considering everything, it was a lot above our expectations.
“I thought being in the top 10 would be a challenge, at the end we are second... It has been a good weekend overall, but I wish I won.”
McLaren's Lando Norris leads Ferrari's Charles Leclerc at the start of the Monaco Grand Prix.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Having won three of the previous four races, Piastri’s momentum has slightly stalled as Norris continues to be hot on the Australian’s heels.
“Obviously the win would have been better. It’s been a tricky weekend, from practice through to qualifying. We were close, but not quite close enough,” said Piastri.
“Pretty happy with that overall, obviously some things to look at for when we come here next year. But we got points on the board and another podium at Monaco, so it’s not all bad.
“If this is a bad weekend, it’s not going too badly at all. Well done to Lando for a great weekend and for Charles for being as quick as usual.”
Off the track, Mohammed Ben Sulayem will stand for a second four-year term as International Automobile Federation (FIA) president in December, saying he would welcome any rival candidate and that he is on a mission to grow motor sports and make Formula One’s governing body stronger.
Speaking to Reuters at the Monaco Grand Prix, the Emirati said he had taken the decision, which was widely assumed, after conferring with members of the FIA.
“I feel having three years in a complex federation like the FIA is not enough,” the former rally driver explained, stating his re-election bid openly for the first time.
He added that he was proud of what had been achieved under his mandate and saw no reason to do anything differently the second time around.
“Do I need more time? Yes. Has it been easy? Never. Has it been enjoyable? Sometimes,” he said.
“So, I am going (to stand). I consulted with most of the members. I speak to them.” AFP, REUTERS
