That Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were by far the fastest drivers in Monaco on Thursday was a surprise for many people, but not for Lando Norris. He already knew that Ferrari would be good here and even let his former teammate know earlier this week.

Ferrari speed not surprising

Norris himself drove a nice sixth time during the second free practice, while teammate Daniel Ricciardo couldn't go further than fifteenth. The McLaren driver did have to concede almost seven tenths to Leclerc in his Ferrari.

"I don't think the Ferrari's speed is surprising," said Norris on the Official website of Formula 1. "Maybe from a spectator's point of view, they don't get to see everything we see, all the onboards and the data and stuff. We knew they would be very fast."

Sainz can win

Norris reveals that he even sent a message to Sainz last week. "I texted Carlos before the weekend to say he's going to be really good this weekend, he can win," Norris chuckles.

However, Ferrari's success is not good for McLaren, who are just five points ahead of Ferrari in the championship. "We are doing our best and I think where we were today is where we deserve to be". As for the car, Norris is otherwise pleased. "I felt comfortable with the car, which is very important here, but we also have some things to improve for Saturday," he said.