World champion Lando Norris is warning that the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix will present a far steeper challenge for drivers next year, largely because the race weekend will now incorporate the Sprint format for the first time. The 2027 Formula 1 calendar, which was released on Wednesday, expands the number of Sprint weekends to ten – four more than the current season – and designates the iconic Monaco street circuit as one of the new venues to host a Sprint race. Monaco’s famously narrow, twisty layout has never been celebrated for overtaking opportunities.
Historically, the Sprint format has been employed on circuits where passing is more feasible, allowing drivers to make up positions in a short, intense race on Saturday. However, Monaco is arguably the toughest test in the sport when it comes to extracting the absolute best from a car during qualifying, given its tight corners, unforgiving barriers, and the premium placed on precision.
Adding a Sprint to such a demanding environment fundamentally changes the preparation dynamics for every team and driver. 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 explained his thoughts on the new schedule.
"Interesting," Norris began, before elaborating: "The main thing is that now you have a free‑practice session on Friday, followed by Sprint qualifying, and then the Sprint race itself. That’s the challenge." He continued, "Usually we have three full‑length practice sessions spread over the weekend, giving us plenty of time to get a feel for the circuit, dial in the car’s setup, and build confidence.
In Monaco, where any mistake is magnified, those three hours are crucial. With the Sprint format, you’re forced to compress all that work into a single 60‑minute session." Under the current format, drivers enjoy three one‑hour practice periods – FP1, FP2 and FP3 – which allow them to gradually improve their rhythm around the tight, wall‑lined track.
The new arrangement will strip away that luxury, demanding that teams extract maximum data in a fraction of the time. "That means you have to rely heavily on the data we gathered this year," Norris said.
"It’s definitely tougher for us as drivers because we won’t have as much time to fine‑tune the car and get comfortable." He added that the shortened preparation window will likely force drivers to take more risks earlier in the weekend. "When you have limited time, you’re going to have to push a little bit earlier, which is when you can see a bigger spread between drivers who can settle in quickly and those who need more time. In Monaco, you’re operating at the absolute limit – if you go beyond 100 percent, you risk crashing and the weekend is over." Norris emphasized that the heightened pressure could actually make the event more thrilling for spectators. "It’s more exciting for the fans and the people watching," he noted, acknowledging that a sprint race on a street circuit where overtaking is scarce could produce dramatic moments as drivers gamble with tyre choices and strategy in a compressed timeframe.
The McLaren star’s comments come on the back of his own success at the principality. In 2025, Norris secured pole position and went on to win the Monaco Grand Prix, cementing his reputation as a driver who can master the circuit’s unforgiving demands. His experience will be invaluable as he and his rivals adapt to the new format.
Beyond the immediate implications for Monaco, the broader shift to ten Sprint weekends across the season signals a strategic move by Formula 1 to increase weekend excitement and fan engagement. Sprint races, introduced in 2021, have already added a layer of unpredictability, offering half‑points and a chance for drivers to earn extra podiums.
Extending this concept to Monaco – a race that traditionally places a premium on qualifying performance – could reshape how teams approach car development, tyre management, and driver preparation throughout the year. For fans, the change promises a fresh viewing experience.
The Sprint race will be held on Saturday, meaning the traditional Sunday Grand Prix will be preceded by a high‑stakes, 100‑kilometre dash that could shuffle the starting grid and set the tone for the main event. The excitement of a sprint on a circuit where passing is rare may lead to bold strategies, such as aggressive tyre compounds or daring overtaking attempts in the few viable sections of the track.
From a technical perspective, engineers will need to adapt their data‑collection methods. With only one practice session, teams will likely lean heavily on simulation tools, historical telemetry, and real‑time feedback from drivers to make rapid setup changes. The margin for error will shrink dramatically; a mis‑judged aerodynamic tweak or suspension setting could compromise performance for both the Sprint and the Grand Prix. In summary, Lando Norris believes the introduction of the Sprint format to Monaco will compel drivers to take more early‑stage risks, compress preparation time, and heighten the overall spectacle for fans.
While the challenge is unprecedented, his own triumph at the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix suggests he is well‑placed to navigate the new landscape. As Formula 1 rolls out ten Sprint weekends in 2027, the sport is poised to deliver a more dynamic and unpredictable championship, with Monaco serving as a pivotal test of driver skill and team adaptability. The F1 season continues to unfold live on Sky Sports F1, with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix kicking off a triple‑header of races from September 24‑26, and the Baku race scheduled for Saturday. Viewers can stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract required, cancel anytime.