Norris cuts Piastri lead after win at Monaco Grand Prix

Lando Norris slashed Oscar Piastri’s title lead after navigating the two-stop strategy puzzle to clinch his first Monaco Grand Prix victory.

- SCOTT HUNT

The British driver converted pole into the win around the famed streets of Monte Carlo as he held off home favourite Charles Leclerc in the closing stages.

It was a slow and controversial race of strategy, game-playing and tactics. The event is the jewel in the Formula One crown and undoubtedly the most famous on the 24-race calendar.

However, the prestigious venue, which sees the cars hurtle past Casino Square, round the famed hairpin, through the tunnel and along the principality’s harbour, rarely tends to lend itself to great racing. Overtaking is nigh-on impossible so, in a bid to create more strategy options, the FIA introduced a mandatory two pit-stop rule for this season.

It failed to make a huge impact on the standings, as the top four retained their order before being unable to pass in the final stages – with Leclerc second, Piastri third and Max Verstappen fourth. Lewis Hamilton gained two places to finish fifth but was almost a minute off the lead. George Russell ultimately finished 11th.