Lando Norris reveals special tactic to deny Charles Leclerc Monaco win

Lando Norris has revealed how he used Max Verstappen to help defend the lead, and win, from Charles Leclerc in the Monaco Grand Prix. 

From pole position, Norris was placed under intense pressure in the closing stages by Charles Leclerc, but after Max Verstappen pitted from the lead on the penultimate lap, the McLaren bolted, easily winning.

It is Norris's first win since the Australia season-opener, and the first for McLaren in Monaco since Lewis Hamilton's 2008 win. 

That year, Hamilton also won the Australian and Monaco GPs on his way to a first world title, with Norris now just three points behind team-mate Oscar Piastri in the drivers' standings following the Australian's third-place finish. 

Reflecting on his maiden win in the Principality, Norris detailed how he used Verstappen to help form his defence against Leclerc's late charge.

"It feels amazing, it is a long race, and we could push for quite a lot of the race, the last quarter was a little bit nervous with Charles close behind and Max ahead, but we wanted Monaco," Norris explained.

"It doesn't matter how you win, but it is an amazing weekend, and this is what I dreamt of when I was a kid, so I've achieved one of my dreams.

"I felt under control for the whole race, but Max kind of backed it up, and that's when Charles had the opportunity, and I had to manage quite a bit.

"I tried to back off Max so I could push when I needed, so I still had to manage, but I am very happy.

"My team are very happy and therefore we are going to have a wonderful night."