McLaren’s Lando Norris scored a dramatic first Formula 1 win at June’s Monaco Grand Prix. He survived a dramatic scare on the opening lap to take his first win since that season-opener in Melbourne. The British driver faced one huge obstacle as he sped into the first turn. It was a great save from a huge lock-up—look at the smoke pouring off his tires—and he narrowly avoided the wall. He showed amazing patience during the entire race. He went on to set the fastest time on his final lap and finish the event in front of all other competitors.
No matter what happens this week, this win is a crowning historic achievement for Norris. He is now the first driver to win the famed Monaco Grand Prix not named Lewis Hamilton since 2008. Norris demonstrated remarkable talent and drive throughout the Grand Prix. He withstood a stout and constant challenge from Charles Leclerc, who chased the Mercedes driver hard all race long.
Early Race Drama
Unfortunately, Norris’s race got off to a heart-stopping start that very nearly torpedoed his chances for an upset win. And then Leclerc didn’t even check up for turn one, going in so hot that he locked all four tires. A billow of smoke followed as he almost hit the wall. Even with the gravity of the moment, he found a way to recover and defend his position to hold on to victory.
“I saw smoke everywhere, I was like ‘oh my God, no’,” – Oscar Piastri
Renowned for her recovery skills, Norris’s immediate response to this hairy moment foreshadowed a deeper composure that would resonate throughout an exceptional performance. And on the dangerous hairpin turns of Monte Carlo’s streets, you could see his ability to tune out the distraction and control his speed at the last moment.
“It feels amazing. It’s a long race, a long, gruelling race. We could push for the whole race, and we won in Monaco,” – Lando Norris
Podium Finish for Piastri
Oscar Piastri finished third in the race, maintaining his lead in the F1 drivers’ championship by just three points over Norris. Following his second pit stop, Piastri was able to reel in Leclerc in front but couldn’t get around his Ferrari rival to grab second. Although let down not to win, Piastri claimed pride in having scored back-to-back podiums at Monaco.
“A podium in Monaco – it’s not all bad,” – Oscar Piastri
Reflecting on his performance over the weekend, Piastri said he felt “untidy” through practice and qualifying. He commented on his desire for more parity in the race since he felt unable to compete with Norris’ speedy pace.
“Obviously, the win would have been better, but it has been a tricky weekend,” – Oscar Piastri
Leclerc’s Efforts and Reflections
Charles Leclerc, like Hamilton, produced a stirring performance in front of his home support before missing out on a first career win. He could speak highly about Norris’s performance while being self-critical about the fact that his own team needed to improve.
“At the end of the day, we lost the race yesterday. We should have done a better job; Lando did a better job and he deserves the win,” – Charles Leclerc
Leclerc wears the colors of his home country, Monaco, with pride and relishes the support from Monacan fans. Despite being unable to clinch a victory, he considers coming home on the podium satisfying.
“Being born here, seeing all the Monegasque behind me is very special. It warms my heart to be at home and have so much support,” – Charles Leclerc
