Lando Norris insisted there are still “things I need to work on” after overturning a tough run of form to take victory in the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix.
The McLaren man converted his pole position into victory at the famed principality, fending off the stiff challenge of hometown hero Charles Leclerc in the process.
In doing so, Norris has reduced team-mate Oscar Piastri’s lead in the Drivers’ title down to just three points, putting him firmly back in contention with the final leg of the European triple-header in Barcelona to come next weekend.
Much has been written about the Brit’s lack of form since his opening-round victory in Australia, having so far failed to capitalise on his pre-season status as title favourite.
And speaking to media, including Motorsport Week, after the race, Norris was happy but cautious, playing down any potential hysteria that his form is right back to where it needs to be.
“What I felt this weekend was a small step forward, but it’s not it,” he said. You know, it’s not like I’ve nailed it now and everything’s back. There’s still things that I need to work on.
“There’s still things that, as a team, them giving me the equipment – and I don’t mean just making a quicker car, because the car’s quick enough – but giving me the things I need from the car in order to excel and maximise results. You know, the differences from last year to this year.
“So, still things from both sides, but I’m very proud of yesterday.”
Norris ‘more emotional’ with Monaco pole after barren qualifying run
Norris added that whilst there are “still things from both sides” to work on to help him get a leg-up in his title fight, he said he was “very proud of yesterday,” his blistering 1:09.954s seeing him steal pole off Leclerc at the end of the session.
Norris indicated that it was not just a case of achieving pole at Monaco, but additionally, it coming after such a barren run of qualifying results, including crashing out in Q3 in Jeddah.
“You know, I’m happier with yesterday’s result than I am of today’s,” he said. “I mean, today’s is, you know, it’s incredible, but I probably was more emotional yesterday than I was on today, and that’s how much yesterday meant to me, to kind of get my groove back in qualifying, because it’s something that I just had my whole life.
“It’s just always been good, until this year, I had to work hard to try and get it back, for no other reason apart from a couple of things that I’ve clearly struggled with, and also just having a tough competition.
“Having Oscar, Charles, Max, I’m against the best guys in the world, and if you’re not performing at the highest level, you’re not going to compete against them.
“So no one knows the amount of work and effort that goes into things apart from me and my team, and that’s the only people you need to know what goes into everything and the truth of everything, and that’s the way I’ll stay.”
READ MORE – Lando Norris survives Charles Leclerc pressure to take maiden Monaco F1 win
