Norris snatches Monaco pole as girlfriend watches on – Mercedes left in tatters

By Lewis Barnett 24 May, 2025 6 mins read 68 Views

Holy hell. Lando Norris just pulled off something special in Monaco qualifying. I was literally on the edge of my sofa watching this unfold - heart racing, coffee spilling everywhere. The 25-year-old Brit hasn't been on pole since Australia, but chose the most glamorous stage of all to remind everyone what he's capable of.

His girlfriend Margarida Corceiro (that Portuguese model who's been all over Instagram lately) was in the McLaren garage looking nervous as hell until he crossed the line. Must've been sweet watching your man snatch pole at Monaco of all places.

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Poor Charles... Monaco heartbreak 2.0?

You've gotta feel for Leclerc. The Monaco native won here last year and looked set to grab pole again until Norris ruined the party in the final seconds. The Ferrari driver's face told the whole story - that mix of disappointment and "here we go again" that's become his trademark at his home race.

I remember back in 2021 when he crashed after getting pole and couldn't even start the race. Brutal.

Mercedes disaster class

Meanwhile, Mercedes had an absolute nightmare. Like, the kind that makes team principals question their life choices.

First, Kimi Antonelli (their young hotshot) smashed into the barriers at the end of Q1. Kid's got talent but Monaco isn't forgiving to rookies - never has been, never will be.

Then George Russell... God. His car just died in teh tunnel during Q2. I watched him frantically trying to restart it like we all do when our laptops freeze during an important Zoom call. The poor guy ended up banging his steering wheel in frustration when he realized his day was done. P14 is a disaster around here.

What's with Lewis and Max?

The Hamilton-Verstappen soap opera got a new episode today. Max was FURIOUS on the radio after nearly rear-ending Lewis in Q1. Something about Ferrari telling Hamilton that Verstappen was on a slow lap when he wasn't.

Lewis's response? "You said he was slowing down mate! f*** man!"

These two just can't help themselves, can they? It's 2021 all over again, just with slower cars.

Monaco's weird new twist

Qualifying has always been everything at Monaco. I've been watching this race since 2007, and I can count the number of genuine overtakes I've seen on one hand.

But this year might actually be different.

The mandatory two-stop rule is coming into play for the first time here. Could actually make Sunday interesting rather than the usual procession where we're all just waiting for someone's engine to blow up or a safety car to inject some drama.

Lewis's weekend from hell

Hamilton somehow managed P4 after absolutely destroying his car in FP3. The mechanics deserved a standing ovation for getting that Mercedes ready in time.

He went airborne on Friday (looked spectacular on TV but probably felt horrible in the car) and then followed it up with that crash in practice. Not the smoothest preparation, but the 7-time champ pulled it together when it mattered.

Verstappen had to settle for fifth. Not ideal for the championship leader, but he's got enough of a points cushion that he can afford a "bad" weekend.

Bearman's weekend? Total washout. P18 in qualifying AND a 10-place penalty for overtaking under red flag conditions in practice. Welcome to F1, kid.

Tomorrow's gonna be fascinating. Monaco with mandatory pit stops is like adding a plot twist to a story we've all read 70 times before. I've got $50 on Norris holding his nerve, but Monaco has a way of creating chaos when you least expect it...

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hybrid technology and its significance in Formula 1 engines

The Energy Recovery System, also known as hybrid technology in Formula 1, is important because it improves the engine's efficiency and performance. ERS stores energy that is normally lost when braking or dissipating heat. It allows drivers additional power from both a Heat Energy Recovery System (HERS) and Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). This can be used to assist in overtaking maneuvers as well as defending track positions.

Can you explain how Formula 1 uses telemetry?

Telemetry is an advanced system in Formula 1 that transmits live data from the car to the engineers on pit walls and back to team headquarters. This data includes information on the engine, brakes, tires, fuel levels, and driver inputs. Engineers use telemetry to monitor the car's performance, make strategic decisions, and identify potential issues before they become critical. Telemetry can be used to maximize the performance of a car and its driver during a race.

How do F1 strategies depend on technology in different ways?

F1 strategies rely heavily on technology. This includes real-time analysis of data, predictive modelling, and simulation. Teams use a wide range of data to make strategic decisions about pit stops, tire selection, and fuel management. This includes everything from tire performance metrics to forecasts. Advanced software, machine learning models, and simulations can be used to simulate race scenarios and develop the most efficient race strategy. The teams then adapt the strategies they have developed based upon the live data, as well as the changing conditions of the race.

What technological advances has been made in Formula 1 tire technology?

The technology of Formula 1 tires has advanced significantly. Advancements have been made in the areas of compounds, construction and performance. Tire manufacturers develop different tire compounds for various track conditions, temperature, and strategy. Tires have been improved in construction to increase strength, durability and lateral grip. In addition, improvements in the tread pattern and contact surface aim to optimize performance over a race distance by balancing grip and wear.

How do F1 teams simulate car performance before actual races?

F1 teams employ a number of simulations tools to predict performance before the car hits the track. Computational Fluid Dynamics for aerodynamic analysis is one of the tools used. Others include chassis and suspension modeling and full-scale test in a wind tunnel. Teams also use driver-in the-loop simulations that allow drivers to test virtual circuits while providing feedback on how their car handles. These simulations allow teams to optimize their setups and strategies before races.

Statistics

The energy recovery system (ERS) in modern Formula 1 cars can provide up to 161 horsepower of additional power for approximately 33 seconds per lap.
Formula 1 engines can rev up to 15,000 RPM, a decrease from the 18,000 RPM limit set prior to the 2014 regulation changes.
Formula 1 races on average have over 300 sensors on a car, generating more than 1.5 billion data points over a race weekend.
In 2021, Formula 1 announced its plan to have a net-zero carbon footprint by 2030, which includes the cars, on-track activities, and the rest of the operations.
Computational fluid dynamics simulations are capable of calculating around 300 million mesh points to simulate airflow around a Formula 1 car.
Formula 1's research into sustainable fuel aims to create a 100% sustainable fuel for use in F1 engines by the mid-2020s.
Since the hybrid power units were introduced in 2014, thermal efficiency has increased from around 29% to surpass 50%, a remarkable figure compared to standard road car engines.
Wind tunnel testing for Formula 1 cars is limited by regulations, with teams only allowed a maximum of 40 hours of running per eight-day aerodynamic testing period.

External Links

How To

How to Analyze Formula 1 Telemetry Data

The analysis of Formula 1 telemetry requires a systematic approach. Teams collect information on tire wear and engine performance. Before you begin, understand the data streams that reveal information about your car's performance. Learn about software used by engineers to interpret telemetry and apply this knowledge to assess how changes in the car's setup affect lap times. Study the impact of data-driven decisions during races to appreciate how telemetry shapes strategy.

Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/formula-1/inside-landos-garage-the-jawdropping-car-collection-thatll-make-you-question-your-life-choices