Lando Norris used his final set of soft tires to make a last-ditch effort payoff with the pole position for Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix.
It was McLaren’s first pole at Monaco in 18 years as Norris ran a one minute and 9.954 second lap to edge Ferrari wheelman Charles Leclerc, who briefly held the top spot.
It was Norris’ first pole since the season opener in Australia.
“It’s been a long time coming so I feel good,” said Norris. “I don’t think you realise how good this feels after quite a few struggles over the last couple of months.
“Especially here in Monaco, it’s a beautiful place and probably the hardest track to do it up against the hometown hero as well. I’m very proud of the whole team – we’ve worked a lot this week, and over the last few months to get to a day like today so very pleased.”
He added: “When you get to Q3, the final lap in a sense is about who can risk a little bit more, who can commit a little bit more. It was a nice lap. It was a well put together lap and it feels good when you cross the line and know it’s all paid off. I’m very happy.”
Point leader Oscar Piastri qualified third in the second McLaren.
Lewis Hamilton was fourth in a Ferrari, but was penalized three grid spots for blocking world champion Max Verstappen during the session. That elevated Verstappen from fifth to fourth and will see Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar start fifth.
Fernando Alonso wound up sixth for Aston Martin.
Alonso scored McLaren’s most recent pole at Monaco in 2007.
