Lando Norris, the reigning World Champion, has warned that the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix in 2027 will present a considerably tougher test for Formula 1 drivers than the event has traditionally offered. The reason, he explained, is the introduction of the Sprint race format to the iconic street circuit, a change that will fundamentally alter the way teams and drivers approach the weekend. The 2027 calendar, which was released on Wednesday, expands the Sprint programme to ten events across the season – an increase of four Sprint weekends compared with the current schedule.
For the first time, Monaco – a venue famed for its tight, winding layout and scant overtaking opportunities – will host a Sprint race. While the Sprint format has generally been employed on circuits where overtaking is more feasible, Monaco has long been regarded as the ultimate test of a driver's qualifying skill, where fractions of a second can determine starting positions and, ultimately, race outcomes.
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 broke down what the new format means for the drivers. "Interesting," he began, acknowledging the novelty of the situation. "The main thing is that now you have a free‑practice session on Friday, followed by Sprint qualifying, and that’s the challenge." He went on to note that, historically, drivers have three one‑hour practice sessions spread over the weekend to get a feel for Monaco’s unforgiving walls and narrow passages. Those sessions allow teams to fine‑tune aerodynamics, tyre pressures and suspension settings, while drivers build confidence and rhythm on a track where any mistake is quickly punished.
With the Sprint format, however, the schedule will be compressed dramatically. "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 from three practice sessions to a single 60‑minute window forces teams to extract as much data as possible in a very short time. Set‑up work that would normally be spread over several hours now has to be completed in a fraction of that time, meaning engineers and drivers must be hyper‑efficient and decisive. "That's more about relying on data from this year," Norris explained. "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." He elaborated on the risk factor, pointing out that in Monaco the margin for error is razor‑thin. "When you push to the limit, you either find a sweet spot at 99 percent performance or you go to 103 or 104 percent and it's game over," he warned.
The Sprint format, with its shorter race distance and heightened importance of qualifying speed, will likely compel drivers to experiment earlier in the weekend, potentially increasing the likelihood of mistakes. Yet Norris also highlighted the entertainment value for fans: "It's more exciting for the fans and the people watching." Norris’s comments are particularly resonant given his personal history at the Principality.
He secured victory at the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix from pole position, a triumph that played a pivotal role in his championship-winning campaign. That experience gives him a unique perspective on how the new format could reshape the dynamics of the weekend. Beyond the immediate implications for Monaco, the broader shift toward more Sprint events signals a strategic move by Formula 1 to inject additional excitement into race weekends and to provide broadcasters with more competitive content. The Sprint race, a shorter, roughly 100‑kilometre dash, awards points to the top three finishers and determines the grid for the main Grand Prix.
While some purists argue that the traditional three‑day practice format is essential for driver preparation, others welcome the increased variability and the chance for underdogs to make a mark. For the teams, the compressed schedule will also affect logistics.
Engineers will need to prioritize data collection, perhaps relying more heavily on simulation tools and telemetry from previous years to compensate for the reduced on‑track time. tyre manufacturers will have to adapt their strategies, ensuring that the limited practice laps provide enough information to choose the optimal compounds for both the Sprint and the main race. From a fan’s perspective, the new format could make Monaco even more compelling to watch. The combination of a high‑stakes qualifying sprint and a full‑distance Grand Prix on a circuit where overtaking is scarce means that every position gained or lost carries significant weight.
The heightened tension could translate into higher viewership numbers, especially as the sport continues to explore ways to attract a broader audience. In summary, Lando Norris believes that the addition of a Sprint race to Monaco will force drivers to adapt quickly, take calculated risks earlier in the weekend, and operate with far less preparation time than they are accustomed to. While this presents a daunting challenge, it also promises a more thrilling spectacle for fans.
As the 2027 season approaches, all eyes will be on the streets of Monte Carlo to see how teams and drivers navigate this new landscape and whether the increased risk will indeed pay off with unforgettable racing moments.