Portugal Colonial - McLaren boss says mentality switch key to Norris success

It was a much-needed win for Norris, his second of the year after a season-opening victory in Australia, and trimmed McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri's lead in the title race to three points after eight of 2025's 24 races.

"I think he is just very focused," said Brown.

"He's got a great chance of the championship, and he's obviously had a few struggles in qualifying in Q3. So, to get it done here in Q3 at Monte Carlo was awesome."

Brown explained that he had helped Norris reduce his level of personal self-criticism by suggesting that he should stop worrying about driving the perfect lap.

"Just focus and kind of not worry about if you don't get in the perfect lap, do the best you can and give it another go," he said, referring to his qualifying in particular.

"And that's exactly what happened, right? We went out and we got two laps in with both our guys. And the first one was really good, but it wasn't good enough so the second time he got it done."

It was notable that Norris's usual self-analytical reaction after qualifying had been replaced by a cooler and more detached mood on Saturday.

He was less euphoric than expected and merely happily satisfied, a reaction that was more like that of his team-mate who has remained calm and consistent this year.

After a run of disappointing performances in qualifying, Norris produced a track record lap to take pole and followed that with a consummate race on Sunday to set up a fascinating scrap in this year's drivers' title race.

P.Queiroz--PC