LANDO LE VILLAIN

World title-chasing Brit robs local hero Leclerc of home pole

- BY DANIEL MOXON

LANDO NORRIS said it was "that little bit sweeter" to deny home hero Charles Leclerc pole with a record-breaking lap at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Norris needed the fastest lap ever around the Monte Carlo circuit to deny the Ferrari man, who had dominated practice.

But that was exactly what the Brit produced, banishing his qualifying demons to secure a first pole since the opening weekend in Melbourne more than two months ago.

The McLaren man said: "It's been a long time coming, so I feel good.

"I don't think you realise how good this feels, for quite a few struggles over the last few months.

"Especially here in Monaco, it's a beautiful place, the hardest track probably to do it and up against the hometown hero as well.