Lando Norris Eyes a Monumental Win at Monaco: Will High Spirits at McLaren Make History?
The Monaco Grand Prix is a jewel in the crown of Formula 1, a race that every driver dreams of winning. For Lando Norris and his McLaren team, the 2024 season has brought a resurgence, making the elusive win at Monaco more than just a fantasy.
With significant upgrades to the McLaren car, Norris has seen a tremendous performance boost that catapulted him to his first-ever victory in Miami, and strong podium finishes in China and Imola. This uptick in form has invigorated the team, creating what Norris describes as a 'very high energy' environment.
“I mean, it would be incredible,” Norris said when asked about the prospect of winning in Monaco. “Monaco is always one that every driver wants to win at some point, just because of the history of this place, how unique and how prestigious it all is.”
The narrow and twisting streets of Monte Carlo present a challenge unlike any other on the F1 calendar. But it's precisely this difficulty that makes a win here so coveted. Norris, who resides in Monaco, has tasted success here before, with a podium finish in 2021. This weekend, however, he aims to climb higher.
Norris remains focused but cautiously optimistic. “Of course, the motivation and the energy are very high from the team, because we’ve had some great results lately. If we keep it up, there’s always a chance,” he commented, reflecting on the team's recent performance boost.
Interestingly, Norris did not want to make any premature claims about McLaren having the fastest car for the Monaco GP. “I have no idea. It’s such a different track to what we’ve had all season, no one can say whether we’re going to be the best or not,” he added.
Unpredictability is the hallmark of Monaco. While Norris acknowledges that McLaren has been competitive recently, he underscores that anything can happen on this fabled circuit. “We work as hard as we can, and that’s all I ask for,” says Norris, emphasizing the team's dedication to seizing any opportunity that comes their way.
Norris's teammate, Oscar Piastri, also shares this sentiment. The Australian, who earned his maiden Sprint victory in Qatar last season, believes McLaren can challenge at the front this weekend. “I think we’re definitely in with a shout,” said Piastri. “We can be confident after the last couple of weekends that we’re going to be somewhere towards the front.”
Piastri, like Norris, understands the stiff competition that Red Bull and Ferrari present. However, the young driver is not ruling out a stellar performance from McLaren. “Definitely the optimism is there, but Red Bull and Ferrari are always difficult teams to beat, so we’re not going to get ahead of ourselves,” he cautioned.
Currently, Norris and Piastri are positioned fourth and sixth respectively in the drivers’ standings, while McLaren holds third place in the constructors’ championship, trailing Ferrari and the dominant Red Bull. The stage is set for an intense showdown in Monaco, with McLaren aiming to convert their high spirits and technical advancements into an unforgettable victory.
If Norris and McLaren can maintain their momentum and navigate the complexities of Monaco, they just might pull off one of the most memorable wins in recent F1 history. As the weekend unfolds, all eyes will be on the orange and blue cars, hoping to see a McLaren standing on the top step of the podium come Sunday.