Lando Norris believes that Ferrari arrives at the Monaco Grand Prix as the main favorite for pole position. Even though he has good memories of the circuit where he achieved one of his most important victories, the McLaren driver adopted a cautious stance about his team’s chances on the traditional street track.
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The current champion is experiencing a season marked by ups and downs. Despite recognizing the potential of the McLaren car, Norris saw his campaign hindered by a high number of retirements, a factor that compromised his attempt to remain in the fight for the title he won last year.
In 2025, the Brit had a memorable weekend in Monte Carlo. After securing pole position, he took advantage of the importance of track position on a circuit historically difficult for overtaking and achieved his first victory on the streets of the Principality.
Now, on the eve of returning to Monaco, Norris believes Ferrari may have an important advantage. The British driver highlighted the Italian team’s performance in low-speed corners as one of the factors that could make a difference during the weekend.
“Monaco was a track that suited us well last year. Honestly, I think Ferrari will take pole next weekend in Monaco because their performance in slow corners is much better than any other team,” he said.
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Despite the positive history at the circuit, the McLaren driver did not show the same optimism regarding his team’s prospects for the event. According to Norris, some of the car’s already known limitations prevent him from facing the challenge with full confidence: “I’m looking forward to Monaco because it’s Monaco. I had a lot of success there last year and it was one of my best and most exciting weekends,” the Brit commented.
Still, he acknowledged that McLaren’s weaknesses might reappear in certain track characteristics: “In places where we know we are struggling, that doesn’t give me confidence to say we will be amazing. But you never know,” Norris concluded.
The British driver’s statements reinforce the expectation of an intense battle for pole in Monte Carlo, especially given the importance of the qualifying session on a circuit where overtaking opportunities are usually very limited.
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