World champion Lando Norris believes that the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix will present a significantly tougher test for Formula 1 drivers next year, primarily because the event will incorporate the Sprint race format for the first time. The 2027 calendar, which was unveiled on Wednesday, expands the number of Sprint weekends to ten – four more than the current season – and designates Monaco’s iconic street circuit as one of the venues to host this alternative format. Monaco’s narrow, winding layout has never been renowned for overtaking opportunities; in fact, the circuit is traditionally considered the most demanding venue when it comes to qualifying performance. The introduction of a Sprint race, a format that usually thrives on circuits where drivers can make bold moves, therefore creates a unique set of challenges for the competitors.
Norris explained his thoughts during an interview with Sky Sports F1’s Natalie Pinkham, which took place alongside golfer Justin Rose at the BMW PGA Championship Pro‑Am at Wentworth. "Interesting," Norris began. "I guess the main thing is that means you’ve got FP1, Sprint qualifying on Friday – and that’s the real challenge." He continued, "Obviously not a lot happens in the Sunday race or even in the Sprint itself, but the difficulty lies in the fact that you only have one practice session to get everything sorted, which has never really happened in Monaco before." Under the current regulations, drivers normally enjoy three one‑hour practice sessions spread over the weekend. These sessions give them time to find a rhythm, fine‑tune the car’s setup, and build confidence on a track where even the smallest mistake can be severely punished.
With the new Sprint schedule, all of that preparation must be compressed into a single 60‑minute session. This forces teams and drivers to make rapid decisions about tyre choices, aerodynamic settings, and suspension geometry, with very little margin for error. When asked about how this compressed timetable will affect his approach, Norris said, "That’s more about relying on the data we gathered this year. Obviously it’s tougher for us as drivers because we don’t have as much time to build up to things.
We’re probably going to have to take a little more risk earlier on, which is normally when you can see a bigger difference between drivers who can get comfortable, try things and be at 99 percent, and those who push to 103 or 104 percent. In Monaco, when you push beyond that limit, it’s game over." He added, "It’s more exciting for the fans and the people watching." Norris’s comments highlight a key strategic shift: with limited track time, drivers will need to extract maximum performance from the very first lap of practice, using telemetry and simulation data to make quick adjustments. The traditional method of gradually building up pace over several sessions will no longer be viable. Instead, teams will likely lean heavily on advanced data analytics, predictive modelling, and perhaps even machine‑learning tools to anticipate how the car will behave under different conditions.
The stakes are especially high at Monaco because the circuit’s tight corners, narrow streets, and unforgiving barriers leave virtually no room for error. Historically, qualifying performance has been the decisive factor in determining race outcomes, and the addition of a Sprint race adds another layer of pressure. Drivers will have to balance the need for outright speed with the necessity of preserving the car for the main Grand Prix later in the weekend.
From a fan’s perspective, the new format could make the weekend more dynamic. Instead of a relatively static three‑day schedule, spectators will witness a high‑intensity Sprint race on Saturday that can reshuffle the grid and provide additional excitement. Norris believes this will enhance the overall spectacle, stating that the format makes the event "more exciting for the fans." It is worth noting that Norris himself has a strong personal connection to Monaco.
He secured his first Monaco Grand Prix victory from pole position in 2025, a triumph that contributed to his eventual World Championship title that year. His experience on the circuit gives him a unique insight into how the new Sprint format might alter the traditional rhythm of a Monaco weekend. Looking ahead, the F1 calendar will continue to evolve, with the Sprint format becoming a more prominent feature across the season.
The upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, scheduled for September 24‑26, will be part of a triple‑header that includes a Saturday race in Baku. Fans can follow the live action on Sky Sports F1 or stream via NOW, with flexible subscription options that allow cancellation at any time.
In summary, Lando Norris anticipates that the integration of a Sprint race at Monaco will force drivers to adapt quickly, take calculated risks earlier in the weekend, and rely heavily on data-driven decision‑making. While the compressed practice schedule presents a formidable challenge, it also promises to deliver a more thrilling experience for spectators, potentially reshaping the way teams approach one of Formula 1’s most iconic venues.