Norris "confident" of McLaren pace after overcoming "alien" Monaco
Norris "confident" of McLaren pace after overcoming "alien" Monaco
Lando Norris believes he and McLaren are in a promising position after overcoming an "alien" Monaco circuit despite rivals Ferrari stealing a march with a surprise one-two.
McLaren finished sixth and 15th in second practice as Ferrari topped the order with Charles Leclerc fastest at his home circuit ahead of Carlos Sainz.
Despite the gap to its chief rival for third place in the constructors' standings, Norris told Sky Sports F1 he was happy with the situation after the first day of running.
"It's tough, Monaco isn't an easy track to get to grips with and get up to speed," said Norris.
"I felt pretty comfortable in the car since FP1. Normally it feels always a bit alien when you come here with the walls and the bumps and the way the track is shaved and stuff, it is hard to really build your confidence up.
"The first lap I did, I felt pretty comfortable in the car, good with the braking which is very important around here. I feel good.
"We are not miles away, we are a realistic gap away from the guys ahead of us but the car is good and we have some things to improve on so I am pretty hopeful."
After Ferrari demonstrated strong pace in the final sector at the Spanish Grand Prix, an area of track viewed as a good indicator of form for the Monaco streets, Norris explained he was not surprised to see the Scuderia flying high in the Thursday running.
Asked if he had expected the strength of performance, he explained: "After Spain, yes. For sure, they were very quick in the last chicane and you always have corners you know are like Monaco and things like that.
"I text Carlos [Sainz] before the weekend saying I think he has a good chance of winning. We will see.
"From our side, I think it was expected, maybe not from the outside or for the viewers.
"We know where they are quick and not, this track suits them very well so not a surprise and if we look ahead to other tracks I am sure we can get back some places. They are looking strong so not ideal for us but we will do our best."
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
Horner admits Red Bull at MAJOR disadvantage with new rules
- 48 minutes ago
Horner reveals 'unhuman' Verstappen secret
- 1 hour ago
Sainz manager speaks out on 'game playing' over contract
- 2 hours ago
EXCLUSIVE: World champion reveals 'logical' winning F1 Hamilton combination
- 3 hours ago
Why F1's RADICAL proposed points change is a positive step
- Today 15:57
Former F1 chief hits out at Hamilton 'EXCUSES'
- Today 13:57
Related news
McLaren boss explains why FIA REVERSED Norris F1 penalty
Young F1 star set to make McLaren debut in injury replacement
McLaren driver opens F1 'school' with stars among SHOCK first students
F1 star reveals how Verstappen and Hamilton rivalry influenced key decision
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860