Lando Norris criticises media after major Monaco victory: 'It's all crap'

Lando Norris has criticised the media over his recent difficult period after claiming victory in the Monaco Grand Prix, describing what has been written as "all crap". 

The Briton bounced back from recent qualifying struggles to set a new lap record of the Circuit de Monaco, securing him pole position ahead of home hero Charles Leclerc. 

He converted pole position into a famous maiden Monaco win, marking his first pole and victory since the season-opener in Australia. 

In doing so, he reduced Oscar Piastri's lead in the F1 drivers' title to just three points, putting him firmly in contention ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix. 

Norris recognised that his recent struggles have been covered extensively by the media, to which he insisted what has been reported is inaccurate.

"Yeah, people can write what they want. It’s not up to me," said Norris. "People have their own opinions, they can do all of those things. Thing is, none of them are true, 99% of the time. So, it’s all crap. 

"I don’t mind what people write as long as I know the truth and my team know the truth, and that’s fine. I’ve been working hard over the last few months to get back to having that momentum that I had in Australia, that confidence. 

"What I felt this weekend was a small step forward, but it’s not it. It’s not like I’ve nailed it now and everything’s back. There are still things that I need to work on, there are still things that – as a team – them giving me the equipment – and I don’t mean just making a quicker car, because the car’s quick enough – but giving me the things I need from the car in order to excel and maximise results, and the differences from last year to this year. 

"So, still things from both sides, but I’m very proud of [pole]. I’m happier with Saturday’s result than I am of [the win]. I mean, it's incredible, but I was more emotional [after qualifying] than I was [after winning]."

Norris qualifying 'groove' back

Since Australia, qualifying has been Norris' major problem, with several Q3 errors having been made in recent grands prix. 

Significant points have been lost as a result of a poor starting position, despite boasting consistently strong race pace all season. 

It is for this reason that pole meant more to him than the victory, as qualifying has been his main setback.

"That’s how much [pole] meant to me, to kind of get my groove back in qualifying, because it’s something I’ve just had my whole life," added Norris. "It’s just always been good, until this year. And I’ve had to work hard to try and get it back.

"For no other reason apart from a couple of things that I’ve clearly struggled with and also just having tough competition. Having Oscar, Charles, Max, I’m against the best guys in the world. And if you’re not performing at the highest level, you’re not going to compete against them.

"So, yeah, no one knows the amount of work and effort that goes into things apart from me and my team. And that’s the only people who need to know what goes into everything and know the truth of everything. And that’s the way it will stay."