“He has a good chance of winning” – McLaren star Lando Norris feels former teammate Carlos Sainz is the favourite to win this weekend’s Monaco GP at Monte Carlo.
Ferrari (finally) seems to be back, dominating the practice session charts at Monaco earlier today. Homeboy Charles Leclerc finished FP2 fastest in front of the Charles Leclerc Grandstand, while Carlos Sainz was P2 in both sessions.
Ferrari 1-2 #MonacoGP 🇲🇨 #F1 pic.twitter.com/9K56jV7sk1
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 20, 2021
This surprising upturn in form for Ferrari hasn’t surprised McLaren star Lando Norris one bit. He feels Monaco suits Ferrari well, the Italian giants winning the 2017 edition with Sebastian Vettel. Interestingly, though, it is Norris’ team McLaren who have won the Monaco GP a record 15 times.
I texted Carlos [Sainz] before the weekend saying I think he has a good chance of winning.
“From our side, I think it was expected, maybe not from the outside or for the viewers.
“We know where they are quick and not, this track suits them very well so not a surprise and if we look ahead to other tracks I am sure we can get back some places. They are looking strong so not ideal for us but we will do our best.”
Norris decent, Ricciardo stuggles
Lando Norris had an above-average day by his recent high standards, finishing P7 and P6. His teammate Ricciardo struggled though, finishing outside the Top 10 on both occasions. Norris acknowledges Monaco is a tough place to race in but is hopeful of a productive Saturday and Sunday.
“It’s tough, Monaco isn’t an easy track to get to grips with and get up to speed.
“I felt pretty comfortable in the car since FP1. Normally it feels always a bit alien when you come here with the walls and the bumps and the way the track is shaved and stuff, it is hard to really build your confidence up.
“The first lap I did, I felt pretty comfortable in the car, good with the braking which is very important around here. I feel good.
“We are not miles away, we are a realistic gap away from the guys ahead of us but the car is good and we have some things to improve on so I am pretty hopeful.”
