Sat May 24 15:30:00 UTC 2025: **Norris Snags Pole Position in Thrilling Monaco Qualifying**
**Monte Carlo, Monaco** – McLaren’s Lando Norris secured a stunning pole position at the Monaco Grand Prix, edging out hometown favorite Charles Leclerc by a mere 0.109 seconds in a nail-biting qualifying session. Norris’s blistering lap time of 1:09.354 came at the very end of Q3, snatching the top spot from Leclerc, who had briefly held it.
“It’s been a long time coming. I feel good!” exclaimed an elated Norris after the session. “The team have done an amazing job. It was a nice lap, it feels very good when you cross the line and it all pays off so I’m very happy.”
McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri rounded out the top three, making it a strong showing for the Woking-based team. Lewis Hamilton, in his Ferrari, finished fourth, while championship leader Max Verstappen could only manage fifth in his Red Bull.
The qualifying session was filled with drama. Mercedes endured a difficult day with George Russell suffering a mechanical failure, and promising rookie Kimi Antonelli crashing in practice. The tight, unforgiving streets of Monaco also saw drivers brushing the barriers, with Hamilton among those who had a close call.
While Leclerc expressed frustration at missing out on pole, he remained optimistic. “We know we don’t have the car to go for wins but starting second here… We know it will be hard to go for first place.”
The Monaco Grand Prix is known for its challenging track, where overtaking is notoriously difficult. With Norris on pole, the race is set for an exciting start on Sunday.
First Piper 