Proud moment as Norris secures Monaco success

LANDO Norris says he has realised a childhood dream and looks forward to his own kids telling everyone that their dad won the Monaco Grand Prix.

- REPORT BY SCOTT HUNT - PA

The 25-year-old converted his scintillating lap-record pole position on Saturday into victory on Sunday as he held off local hero Charles Leclerc and overcame the strategy puzzle of a mandatory two-stop race.

Norris became McLaren's 16th Monaco winner but their first since Lewis Hamilton in 2008 and cut team-mate Oscar Piastri’s championship lead to three points after the Australian finished third.

Monaco is the jewel in the Formula One crown and undoubtedly the most famous, prestigious race on the calendar and Glastonbury racer Norris was overjoyed to etch his name into the history books.

“Seeing the chequered flag and winning in Monaco is something I dreamed of when I was a kid,” Norris said.

“The view of the team and seeing everyone, my mum and dad down below, it's the feelings inside, which are really the special ones.

“There are many things that I think everyone dreams of - it's getting to Formula 1, winning a race in Formula 1 and winning a race in Monaco. And we achieved it today.

“I think the best bit is that my kids one day will be able to tell everyone that I won in Monaco.

“That's probably the thing I'm most proud about.

“It’s the meaning, the history, the people that have won here in the past.

“They don’t always go on to be champions, but most of them have. And just to know in 30 years’ time, I can say ‘I mastered Monaco that one year’ - or hopefully a few more - but that one year is something I look forward to saying.”