In the era preceding Formula One's transformation, Lando Norris clinches the pole position in Monaco.
Monaco Grand Prix: Lando Norris Claims Pole Position in Thrilling Finale
Briton Lando Norris secured the pole position for the Formula-1 race in Monaco, setting the fastest lap in the final moments. His time of 1:09.954 minutes left him with a narrow 0.109-second lead over local hero Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari.
In a nail-biting end to qualifying, Norris, a Monaco resident, edged out Leclerc, who was vying for his second consecutive win in the principality. Despite Leclerc appearing poised to clinch the first starting position, Norris delivered a sensational lap, leaving just enough time to snatch the pole.
"It's a wonderful feeling to excel here in Monaco," beamed Norris. He added that he had faced challenges in recent times, which he had overcome with tireless effort. The McLaren driver's relief at his error-free performance was palpable.
The new two-pit-stop rule will make its debut at Monaco, compelling each driver to use at least three sets of tires and make at least two pit stops. This regulation aims to create more strategic possibilities and elevate the tension, potentially leading to increased overtaking on the narrow asphalt strip.
Before the eighth race of the 24-championship series, Oscar Piastri tops the standings with a 13-point advantage over Norris. Piastri will start the race from the third position, while reigning champion Max Verstappen will line up as fifth.
In qualifying's first segment, Leclerc held a slight edge over Norris and Piastri, each with less than a tenth of a second separating them. Subsequent interruptions occurred when Kimi Antonelli crashed his Mercedes into the guardrail and George Russell's Silver Arrow had electronic issues, rendering it stranded on the track.
Nico Hülkenberg finished 13th in the Kick Sauber, failing to match Norris' impressive performance. The Monaco Grand Prix sets off on Sunday at 15:00 on Sky and can be followed live on ntv.de.
Lando Norris, despite expressing his doubts, "I'm not going to be able to do this," managed to pull off an impressive feat by securing the pole position in Formula-1 racing's Monaco Grand Prix, a sport he practices regularly as a Monaco resident. In the thrilling finale, he outperformed fellow racer Charles Leclerc, who was aiming to secure the first starting position in sports racing's racing event in his home territory.
