Norris' Monaco pole 'a long time coming' as McLaren driver says he 'worked hard for today'

Lando Norris believes his first pole position for the Monaco Grand Prix has been "a long time coming" with the McLaren driver admitting he "worked hard for today".

The Briton had been in the mix throughout Qualifying on Saturday on the streets of the Principality, topping the second segment from Charles Leclerc, the first time during the event that the Ferrari driver had not occupied top spot at the chequered flag in a session.

READ MORE: Norris beats Leclerc and Piastri to pole with last-gasp lap in Monaco GP Qualifying thriller

With Leclerc on provisional pole at the end of Q3, Norris posted a 1m 09.954s with his final effort to go fastest by just 0.109s - his first pole position since the Australia season-opener.

"It’s been a long time coming so I feel good," said Norris, whose only win this season so far came at the first race. "I don’t think you realise how good this feels after quite a few struggles over the last couple of months.

"Especially here in Monaco, it’s a beautiful place and probably the hardest track to do it up against the hometown hero as well. I’m very proud of the whole team – we’ve worked a lot this week, and over the last few months to get to a day like today so very pleased."

He added: "When you get to Q3, the final lap in a sense is about who can risk a little bit more, who can commit a little bit more. It was a nice lap. It was a well put together lap and it feels good when you cross the line and know it’s all paid off. I’m very happy."

HIGHLIGHTS: Watch the Qualifying action as Norris denies home hero Leclerc pole position in Monaco

McLaren opted for a different strategy compared with other teams, sending Norris and team mate Oscar Piastri out on their final sets of soft tyres early, allowing each of them to complete two flying laps via a cooldown lap in-between.

It paid dividends, with Norris dismissing that the strategy carried any risk post-session.

"No risk from our side. It’s what we believed was best before Quali and it’s what was proven to be best after," he said.

"We stuck to what we believed in. Like I said, the team have done an amazing job, so thanks to everyone here and everyone back at the factory. These days don't come easy. Proud to give something back to them."

Norris has never won on the streets of Monte Carlo, achieving just a single podium during the 2021 edition and his task will be made harder by a mandated two-stop race in Sunday, instigated to provide more excitement and differing strategies.

"Honestly, I’ve absolutely no idea and at the minute I don’t care," said Norris when asked how it would alter the race dynamic.

FACTS AND STATS: Norris smashes Monaco lap record to claim McLaren's first pole there since 2007

"I’m going to enjoy today – I’ve worked hard for today. That’s what tonight is for, to prepare for tomorrow.

"I’m just very pleased with today, I’m happy with Quali so I’m going to live the moment for a bit and then I’ll focus on tomorrow."