Lando Norris rubs salt in Charles Leclerc's wounds after setting Monaco GP record

Lando Norris expressed his delight at snatching pole position from home favourite Charles Leclerc with a record-breaking lap at the Monaco Grand Prix, describing it as "that little bit sweeter". To outdo the Ferrari driver, who had dominated all three practice sessions, Norris needed to deliver around the Monte Carlo circuit.

The British driver rose to the challenge, overcoming his qualifying struggles to secure his first pole since the season-opening weekend in Melbourne over two months ago. Beaming with pride, Norris said: "It's been a long time coming, so I feel good.

"I don't think you realize how good this feels, for quite a few struggles over the last few months. Especially here in Monaco, it's a beautiful place, the hardest track probably to do it and up against the hometown hero as well.

"I'm very proud of the whole team, we've been working a lot this week and actually over the last few months to get to a day like today, so I'm very pleased. To do it here in Monaco is extra special and to do it ahead of Charles is that little bit sweeter."

Leclerc, who was born in Monte Carlo, is aiming for back-to-back wins in his hometown after securing his first victory there last year. He had thought his final lap was enough to secure pole, and the crowd had erupted in cheers as he briefly topped the times.

Norris achieved a remarkable feat with his 1:09.954 lap time, becoming the first driver to ever complete the historic circuit in under 70 seconds. Leclerc couldn't hide his exasperation, cursing over the radio as he found out he'd just missed pole position, the frustration etched onto his visage as he contemplated the lost opportunity.

Regarding his performance, he commented: "At the end of the day, this was the best we could do. I think the lap was really good. I'm just obviously very frustrated. We know that we don't quite have the car to go for wins this year, but this weekend the car felt good. Starting second here... it's going to be tricky to take first place."

F1 has introduced a mandatory two pit stop rule for today's race to inject excitement into what has often been seen as a tedious affair. Norris, having secured pole, jested that he wished the rule didn't apply to him, but refrained from making any race predictions, instead choosing to bask in the success of the moment: "I've absolutely no idea and, at the minute, I don't care. I'm going to enjoy today, having worked hard for today."

While McLaren and Ferrari had reasons to smile, Mercedes faced a grim outcome with Antonelli crashing out and Russell experiencing a power cut, relegating them to 14th and 15th starting positions respectively. Toto Wolff did not mince words, describing the day as "abysmal" for his team.

London-born Thai driver Albon landed in the top 10 for Williams, whereas Bearman is set to start at the back due to a 10-place grid penalty issued on Friday.