Norris became the 11th British driver to take the F1 crown last year.

Norris trails McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri by 34 points in the drivers’ title race.

Norris led the way in the concluding running prior to qualifying.

The Briton made an astonishing admission after qualifying 12th for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The British driver set a new record around the streets of Monte Carlo to beat local hero Charles Leclerc to pole by 0.109 seconds.

Piastri and Lando Norris completed a McLaren one-two, with George Russell third and Hamilton back in sixth.

Norris fell short in his quest to take his first title last year after Max Verstappen saw off his challenge to land his fourth consecutive crown.

Piastri and team-mate Lando Norris set the two fastest times in final practice.

Championship leader Max Verstappen will start sixth on the grid in Baku.

Verstappen was imperious around the high-speed corner circuit at Suzuka.