Lando Norris hands Mercedes fierce warning as F1 streak predicted to end

Lando Norris has tipped Ferrari as the team to beat at next weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix.

Mercedes has been the standout force on the grid so far this season, taking pole position and winning all five grands prix contested to date.

Four of those victories have been claimed by Kimi Antonelli, who currently holds a commanding 43-point advantage over team-mate George Russell in the drivers’ championship.

But despite Mercedes’ dominant start to the campaign, Norris does not view the Silver Arrows as favourites for success around the streets of Monaco.

Instead, the McLaren driver believes Ferrari’s impressive performance through low-speed corners could prove decisive.

“Monaco was also a track that was decent to us last year,” Norris told media including RacingNews365. “Honestly, I think the Ferrari will be on pole next weekend in Monaco.

“Their low-speed performance is far better than everyone else. 

“I look forward to both. I look forward to Monaco, because it's Monaco. I had success there last year, and it was one of my best weekends, most exciting weekends.

“In the places we know we're struggling, it's not something that gives me confidence to say we're going to be incredible.”

Norris triumphed in Monaco 12 months ago to secure the second victory of what would ultimately become his championship-winning campaign.

As he prepares to return to the iconic street circuit, the McLaren driver suggested the full impact of the team’s recent upgrade package may not become clear until the following round in Barcelona.

“We're encouraged still, it's clear that there's still a good step ahead,” he said.

“This is a very outlier track and Monaco, again, is another track that's very different. 

“So to really wait and see how we're going to be in Barcelona is something I'm excited for.”