World champion Lando Norris is convinced that the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix will present a markedly tougher test for Formula 1 drivers next year, primarily because the race weekend will now incorporate the Sprint format. The 2027 calendar, which was unveiled on Wednesday, expands the Sprint schedule to ten events—four more than the current season—and earmarks Monaco’s iconic street circuit as one of the new venues for this shorter, high‑intensity race. Monaco has always been famed for its narrow, winding layout that leaves very little room for overtaking.
Historically, the Sprint format has been deployed on circuits that favour close racing and frequent passing, but the Principality’s tight, twist‑laden track is arguably the most demanding venue when it comes to qualifying performance. The addition of a Sprint race on a Saturday therefore introduces a fresh set of strategic and technical challenges that have never been tackled on these streets before. Speaking to Sky Sports F1’s Natalie Pinkham alongside golfer Justin Rose at the BMW PGA Championship Pro‑Am at Wentworth, the McLaren driver explained his thoughts on the change. "Interesting," Norris began, before outlining the new weekend structure.
"The main thing is that 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 note that, unlike a typical Grand Prix weekend where drivers benefit from three one‑hour practice sessions to acclimatise to the circuit, Monaco will now compress all essential set‑up work and data gathering 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," he said. The reduction in track‑time means teams will have to extract every ounce of information from a very limited window.
Mistakes on Monaco’s unforgiving walls are usually punished severely, so the pressure on drivers to hit the right lines and tyre temperatures immediately will be intense. Norris highlighted that the reliance on data from the current season will increase dramatically.
"That's more about relying on data from this year," he remarked. "Obviously tougher for us as drivers." He added that the compressed schedule could force drivers to take more risks earlier in the weekend. "You don’t have as much time to build up to things, so you’re probably going to have to try and risk a little bit more earlier, which is normally when you can see a bit more of a difference between people who can get comfortable, try things and be at 99 per cent and not go to 103 or 104 per cent because in Monaco when you go to that limit, game over," Norris explained. In other words, the margin for error shrinks dramatically, and the drivers who can push the envelope safely will reap the biggest rewards.
Norris believes this heightened risk‑taking will also make the event more entertaining for spectators. "It’s more exciting for the fans and the people watching," he said, suggesting that the added drama of a sprint race on the legendary circuit could inject fresh energy into a race that is often viewed as a showcase for qualifying prowess rather than on‑track battles.
The British driver’s comments are underscored by his own personal history at the venue. Norris claimed victory in Monaco in 2025, winning from pole position during his championship‑winning season.
That experience gives him a unique perspective on how the track can be both a driver’s paradise and a nightmare, depending on how well they manage the fine line between precision and aggression. Looking ahead, the introduction of the Sprint format in Monaco will also have broader implications for the championship.
Teams will need to adapt their car setups to perform well over a shorter race distance, which could influence tyre strategies, aerodynamic choices, and fuel loads. The Sprint race awards points to the top finishers, meaning a strong performance on Saturday could have a tangible impact on the title fight. Conversely, a poor showing could set a driver back before the main Grand Prix even begins. From a logistical standpoint, the weekend schedule will be reshaped.
Traditionally, Monaco’s race has been a Sunday affair, but the Sprint format moves the decisive action to Saturday, with the main Grand Prix still on Sunday. This shift may affect fan attendance patterns, broadcast timings, and even the rhythm of the support races that usually accompany a Formula 1 weekend. Overall, Norris’s assessment paints a picture of a Monaco Grand Prix that will be more unpredictable, more demanding, and arguably more thrilling than ever before. The combination of a single, high‑pressure practice session, a Saturday Sprint, and the ever‑present threat of the unforgiving walls means drivers will need to balance caution with boldness.
As the 2027 season approaches, all eyes will be on the Principality to see how teams and drivers adapt to this new challenge, and whether the added excitement lives up to the expectations of fans worldwide.