Norris Predicts Ferrari on Pole in Monaco: Low-Speed Strength Key

Lando Norris has cast Ferrari as the favorite for pole position at this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix, predicting the Scuderia's low-speed prowess will finally break Mercedes' stranglehold on qualifying. The McLaren driver pointed to the SF-26's traction and agility around the tight streets of Monte Carlo as the decisive factor, even as Mercedes has locked out every pole so far in 2026.

Why it matters:

Monaco has historically been a circuit where conventional pecking orders get upended. Mercedes hasn't taken pole here since 2019, and Norris' assessment suggests Ferrari could exploit that weakness—potentially shifting momentum in a season dominated by the Brackley squad. For the championship battle, a Ferrari pole would signal that the competitive landscape is far from settled.

The details:

• Norris: “I think Ferrari will be on pole. Their low-speed performance is far better than everyone else.”
• Ferrari's Charles Leclerc has taken pole in three of the last five Monaco GPs, reinforcing the SF-26's suitability.
• Mercedes' qualifying dominance has been absolute this season (5 poles out of 5), but Monaco's unique demands—traction, confidence through slow corners—could neutralize their straight-line speed advantage.
• McLaren introduced updates in Canada, but Norris admitted Monaco's layout makes evaluating them tricky: “You never see so many of the upgrades—it’s hard to exploit them.” The team may not run the full update package.
• Norris also noted McLaren was Mercedes' closest challenger in Montreal: “We need to keep the pressure on.”

What's next:

The qualifying session in Monaco will be the ultimate test of Norris' prediction. If Ferrari delivers, it could be a pivotal moment—both for Leclerc on home soil and for Hamilton chasing another Monaco milestone. For McLaren, a strong showing without full upgrades would underline their progress. Mercedes, meanwhile, will be eager to prove their qualifying form translates even to the streets of Monte Carlo.