World champion Lando Norris argues that the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix will present a considerably steeper challenge for Formula 1 drivers next year, primarily because the race weekend will now incorporate the Sprint format for the first time. The 2027 F1 calendar, which was released on Wednesday, outlines a total of 24 rounds and features ten Sprint events—four more than the current season.
Among those, the iconic street circuit of Monaco will be the latest venue to host a Sprint race, fundamentally altering the traditional weekend structure. Monaco’s narrow, winding streets have long been notorious for offering very limited overtaking opportunities. Historically, Sprint weekends have been employed at circuits where passing is more feasible, allowing drivers to showcase their speed over a short distance.
In contrast, Monaco has always been regarded as the ultimate test of a driver’s qualifying prowess, where a single mistake can be disastrous and a perfect lap can secure a decisive advantage. The introduction of a Sprint race therefore adds a new layer of complexity to an already demanding environment. During an interview with Sky Sports F1’s Natalie Pinkham, conducted alongside professional golfer Justin Rose at the BMW PGA Championship Pro‑Am at Wentworth, Norris shared his thoughts on the upcoming change.
He described the situation as "interesting" and explained the new schedule: "Basically, you now have a free‑practice session on Friday, followed by Sprint qualifying the same day – that’s the real challenge." He went on to point out that, unlike a typical Monaco weekend where drivers benefit from three one‑hour practice sessions to fine‑tune their cars and get accustomed to the circuit’s tight corners and unforgiving walls, the new format compresses all preparation into a single 60‑minute session. "Obviously not a lot happens in a race on Sunday or in the Sprint, but the challenge is just one practice session straight in, which has probably never happened before in Monaco," Norris said.
The reduction in track‑time means teams and drivers must extract maximum information in a fraction of the usual time. Set‑up work, tyre evaluation, and driver acclimatization will all need to be executed with extreme efficiency. Any error will be magnified, as the margin for correction is virtually nonexistent on a circuit where a small mis‑judgment can lead to a wall‑impact and immediate retirement.
When asked about the broader implications of the Sprint schedule, Norris emphasized the reliance on data gathered from the current season. "That’s more about relying on data from this year.
Obviously tougher for us as drivers. You don’t have as much time to build up to things, so you’re probably going to have to take a little more risk earlier.
That’s normally when you can see a bigger difference between people who can get comfortable, try things and be at 99 percent, and not push to 103 or 104 percent because in Monaco, when you go to that limit, it’s game over," he explained. In other words, the compressed timetable forces drivers to make decisive moves earlier in the weekend, potentially increasing the likelihood of mistakes but also offering a chance for bold strategies to pay off. Norris believes this will make the event more thrilling for spectators: "It’s more exciting for the fans and the people watching." Norris himself has a personal connection to Monaco, having secured a victory from pole position in the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix during his championship‑winning campaign. His experience of triumph on this demanding circuit adds weight to his perspective on how the Sprint format could reshape the race dynamics.
Beyond the immediate impact on Monaco, the shift reflects a broader trend within Formula 1 to experiment with weekend structures and enhance the spectacle for global audiences. The inclusion of additional Sprint events aims to provide more on‑track action and varied competition formats, which could attract new fans while offering existing followers fresh narratives. For viewers eager to follow the evolving season, Sky Sports F1 will continue to broadcast live coverage, with the next race weekend featuring the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as part of a triple‑header from September 24‑26.
Notably, the Baku race will be held on a Saturday, illustrating the sport’s willingness to adapt traditional scheduling. In summary, Norris anticipates that the introduction of a Sprint race at Monaco will compel drivers to adapt quickly, rely heavily on limited practice data, and possibly take greater risks earlier in the weekend. This change promises to intensify the competition, heighten the excitement for fans, and underscore Monaco’s reputation as the ultimate test of driver skill and composure in the Formula 1 calendar.