Leclerc ‘proud’ but ‘very frustrated’ after narrowly missing out on Monaco pole to Norris

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc shared mixed emotions after Qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix, with the home hero being pipped to pole position by McLaren rival Lando Norris.

Leclerc and Ferrari are without a pole position or Grand Prix victory so far this season, but the Monegasque headed into Saturday’s all-important grid decider in the Principality having topped every practice session.

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

As a gripping Q3 drew to a close, Leclerc provisionally put himself in P1 with an inspired improvement, only for Norris to deliver his own stunning effort – having gone for two laps rather than one across the final runs – and secure pole.

Speaking after splitting the McLarens and taking second on the grid, Leclerc said: “There is always something more to be done. At the end of the day, this was the best we could do. I think the lap was really good.

“The first lap was a bit of a shame because that gives you a bit more confidence for the second run when you have a good first lap. I couldn’t have that, I had Sector 2 traffic, but it’s the way it is.

AS IT HAPPENED: Follow the Qualifying action from Monaco as Norris takes scintillating pole

“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 that first place.”

Leclerc entered Qualifying having claimed three of the last four pole positions around the streets he grew up on, with last year’s event also bringing a breakthrough maiden home win after years of incidents and near-misses.

Asked what it is about Monaco’s streets that suits him over one lap, he replied: “I don’t know. I like city tracks in general. I like to really go all into Qualifying and take maximum risks. I think this pays off most of the time. Sometimes it doesn’t pay off.

“But I’m proud anyway of the result we’ve had today. On paper, it was going to be a very difficult weekend for us. At the end of the day, it’s not that bad.”

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Leclerc’s team mate, Lewis Hamilton, will start Sunday’s race from fourth position, having bounced back from a crash in final practice that led to mechanics changing the entire rear-end – including the gearbox – on his car.