Lando Norris set a stunning new lap record at the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix qualifying session, clocking a time of 1:09.954 to become the first driver to break the 70-second barrier on the iconic circuit. The McLaren driver secured pole position ahead of local favorite Charles Leclerc and championship leader Oscar Piastri, showcasing exceptional pace and skill on the demanding street track.
Lee Jung-jae Honors Norris with Pole Position Award
South Korean actor Lee Jung-jae, widely recognized for his role as Seong Gi-hun in Netflix’s Squid Game, attended the Monaco Grand Prix qualifying event and personally presented Norris with the Pirelli Pole Position Award. Lee, who has gained international acclaim including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, joined the celebration following Norris’s breakthrough performance.
Norris Reflects on His Pole-Winning Performance
After his record-setting lap, Norris expressed measured satisfaction, emphasizing steady progress throughout the weekend. He told Sky Sports F1,
“I’m happy. It doesn’t mean I have to show emotion. This is not a new approach!”
Highlighting his focus, Norris added,
“I am very happy, especially to do it here in Monaco and do it ahead of Charles is that little bit sweeter. This weekend has been about making little bits of progress every session, every lap.”
He acknowledged the challenge posed by Leclerc, stating,
“Charles has been on top in every session, so it’s hard to just go ‘yeah we have to do it now’. But we have been confident we have been there or thereabouts. We knew we had a bit more in qualifying and I knew if I had a good lap and put things together, I could be on pole.”
Lee Jung-jae’s Rising Global Presence Beyond Acting
Lee Jung-jae’s international profile has grown substantially after Squid Game’s success, with the 52-year-old actor now appearing in major projects like Star Wars: The Acolyte. Alongside his acting career, Lee is expanding his business ventures with a chain of Italian restaurants and a real estate development company, making his presence felt in sectors beyond entertainment.
Implications for the Monaco Grand Prix and Formula 1 Season
Norris’s milestone lap record and pole position position him as a formidable contender at Monaco, one of the most prestigious and technically challenging races on the calendar. This achievement not only raises expectations for McLaren’s performance but also intensifies the rivalry with Ferrari’s Leclerc and the championship leader Piastri. The presence of renowned figures like Lee Jung-jae at the event underscores the growing global appeal of Formula 1, blending sport with popular culture in vibrant ways.
