World champion Lando Norris contends that the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix will present a significantly tougher test for Formula 1 drivers, largely because the event will feature the Sprint race format for the first time. The 2027 F1 calendar, which was released on Wednesday, now lists ten Sprint weekends – an increase of four compared with the current season – and Monaco’s iconic street circuit is slated to host one of these Sprint events. Monaco’s narrow, winding layout has long been notorious for its scarcity of overtaking opportunities, a characteristic that traditionally makes the Sprint format, which usually thrives on tracks that allow more passing, seem out of place. 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 limits of performance.
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 arrangement. “It’s an interesting development,” Norris said. “The main thing is that you now have free‑practice‑1, then Sprint qualifying on Friday – and that’s the challenge.” He went on to note that, while the Sprint race itself may not dramatically alter the overall outcome of the weekend, the shift in the schedule means that drivers will have just a single 60‑minute practice session to get accustomed to the notoriously unforgiving Monaco circuit.
“Usually we have three one‑hour practice sessions to build a rhythm and momentum around this twisty, wall‑lined track, where any mistake is heavily punished,” he added. “Now all the set‑up work and on‑track preparation have to be squeezed into just one hour.” Norris emphasized that this compressed timetable forces teams and drivers to rely heavily on data gathered during the current season.
“That’s more about relying on data from this year,” he explained. “Obviously it’s tougher for us as drivers because we don’t have as much time to build up to things. You’re probably going to have to take a bit more risk earlier, which is normally when you can see a bigger difference between people who can get comfortable, try things and be at 99 percent, and those who push to 103 or 104 percent. In Monaco, when you hit that limit, it’s game over.” The British driver also highlighted the potential upside for spectators.
“It’s more exciting for the fans and the people watching,” he said, suggesting that the heightened uncertainty and the need for bold decisions could make the event more engaging for a global audience. Norris’s comments come on the back of his own success at the Monte‑Carlo venue. He secured his first Monaco Grand Prix victory from pole position in 2025, a triumph that was a key part of his championship‑winning campaign that year. His experience on the street circuit gives him a unique perspective on how the Sprint format might reshape the dynamics of the weekend.
The introduction of Sprint races to Monaco also raises broader strategic questions for teams. With only one free‑practice session, engineers will need to prioritize data collection, focusing on tyre performance, brake cooling, and aerodynamic balance in a very short window. Drivers, meanwhile, will have to balance the need for a clean, error‑free lap with the temptation to push the car to its absolute limits in order to secure a good grid position for both the Sprint and the main Grand Prix. The margin for error is razor‑thin; a single lock‑up or a momentary loss of grip could end a driver’s weekend before the race even begins.
Furthermore, the Sprint race itself, which will be held on Saturday, adds an extra competitive layer. While the points on offer are fewer than those for the main race, a strong Sprint performance can provide a valuable morale boost and an early advantage in the championship standings.
Conversely, a poor Sprint result could force a driver to start the Grand Prix from a less favorable position, making overtaking even more challenging on a circuit where passing is already at a premium. Fans can look forward to a weekend where strategy, precision, and a willingness to take calculated risks will be on full display. The combination of a single practice session, a high‑stakes Sprint, and the unforgiving nature of Monaco’s streets promises a dramatic spectacle that could reshape the narrative of the 2027 season. The F1 calendar continues to evolve, and the inclusion of Monaco in the Sprint schedule underscores the sport’s commitment to delivering fresh challenges for drivers and fresh excitement for viewers.
As the season progresses, the next race on the agenda is the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which will kick off a triple‑header of events from September 24‑26, with the Baku race taking place on a Saturday. Fans can stream the action live on Sky Sports F1 via NOW, with no long‑term contract required and the ability to cancel at any time.