World champion Lando Norris says that the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix will present a markedly tougher test for Formula 1 drivers next year because the race weekend will now incorporate the Sprint format. The 2027 calendar, which was released on Wednesday, adds ten Sprint events to the schedule—four more than the current season—and for the first time Monaco’s iconic street circuit will be part of that roster. Monaco’s narrow, twist‑filled layout has never been renowned for overtaking opportunities; in fact, the Sprint format has traditionally been deployed on circuits where passing is more feasible.
Nevertheless, the principality’s circuit is arguably the most demanding venue on the F1 calendar when it comes to qualifying, as drivers must extract the absolute maximum from a car that is already operating at the edge of its performance envelope. Speaking to Sky Sports F1’s Natalie Pinkham alongside golfer Justin Rose at the BMW PGA Championship Pro‑Am at Wentworth on Wednesday, the McLaren driver broke down what the change means for the teams and drivers.
“Interesting,” Norris began. “I guess the main thing is that means you’ve got FP1, then Sprint qualifying on Friday – that’s the challenge.” He went on to explain that the traditional three‑hour practice sessions that normally give drivers a chance to build rhythm and confidence around Monaco’s unforgiving walls will be drastically reduced.
“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. Under the current format, drivers enjoy three one‑hour practice sessions spread over the weekend, allowing them to fine‑tune the car’s setup, learn the limits of the circuit and develop a feel for the track’s unique characteristics. In Monaco, even a tiny mistake can end a driver’s weekend, so those practice laps are invaluable.
With the Sprint schedule, all of that preparation will have to be compressed into a single 60‑minute session, leaving far less time for experimentation and data gathering. Norris elaborated on the implications of this tighter timetable: “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 risk a little bit more earlier.
That’s normally when you can see a bit more of a difference between people who can get comfortable, try things and be at 99 percent and not go to 103 or 104 percent because in Monaco when you go to that limit, game over.” In other words, with the practice window slashed, drivers will need to push harder earlier in the weekend, taking calculated risks in order to find the optimal setup before the Sprint qualifying session. The margin for error will shrink dramatically, and the pressure to perform will be intense. Norris believes this will create a more thrilling spectacle for fans, noting, “It’s more exciting for the fans and the people watching.” The shift also means that teams will have to rely heavily on the data they collected during the 2026 season, as well as sophisticated simulation tools, to predict how the cars will behave on the tight streets of Monte Carlo. Engineers will be under pressure to deliver a flawless setup on the first try, because there will be little opportunity to make adjustments on the fly.
Any miscalculation could mean a driver starts the Sprint from the back of the grid, or worse, fails to finish the race altogether. Norris’s own history with Monaco adds an extra layer of intrigue. He secured his first Monaco victory from pole position in 2025, a key moment in his title‑winning campaign.
That triumph demonstrated his ability to master the circuit’s demanding rhythm, and it will be interesting to see how he adapts his approach when the weekend structure changes. The introduction of Sprint races at Monaco also aligns with Formula 1’s broader strategy to inject more excitement into race weekends. By offering a shorter, more action‑packed race on Saturday, the series hopes to attract a larger global audience and give fans additional on‑track drama. While some purists worry that the Sprint could dilute the prestige of the traditional Grand Prix, drivers like Norris appear to welcome the added challenge, viewing it as an opportunity to showcase skill and bravery under tighter constraints.
Looking ahead, the 2027 season will open with a triple‑header of races from September 24‑26, beginning with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, which will also be held on a Saturday. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming available through NOW, offering a flexible, contract‑free option. As the sport evolves, the combination of new formats, tighter schedules, and iconic circuits like Monaco promises to keep both drivers and spectators on the edge of their seats.
In summary, the upcoming Monaco Sprint will demand that drivers and teams compress months of preparation into a single hour of track time, forcing them to take earlier risks, depend heavily on historical data, and deliver near‑perfect performance from the outset. For Lando Norris, this presents a fresh challenge that could redefine how success is measured on one of the most demanding streets in motorsport. The heightened stakes are set to make the 2027 Monaco Grand Prix a landmark event in Formula 1’s ongoing evolution.