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 race weekend will now incorporate the Sprint format. The 2027 Formula 1 calendar, which was released on Wednesday, features ten Sprint weekends – an increase of four compared with the current season – and Monaco’s iconic street circuit will host a Sprint for the first time in its history. Monaco’s narrow, winding layout has never been renowned for overtaking opportunities; in fact, the circuit is famously difficult for drivers to pass each other even under normal race conditions.
Historically, the Sprint format has been employed at tracks where overtaking is more feasible, allowing the shorter race to add excitement without compromising the integrity of the main Grand Prix. However, Monaco is widely regarded as the ultimate qualifying challenge in the sport, where a single mistake can end a driver’s weekend in an instant.
When asked about the new arrangement, Norris was speaking with Sky Sports F1’s Natalie Pinkham and professional golfer Justin Rose at the BMW PGA Championship Pro‑Am at Wentworth on Wednesday. He described the change as "interesting" and explained the practical implications: "The main thing is that you now have FP1, then Sprint qualifying on Friday – 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 reduction in practice time is unprecedented for Monaco. "Usually we have three one‑hour practice sessions to get a feel for the twisty, wall‑lined circuit, to build rhythm and momentum.
Now we have to squeeze all that set‑up work, data gathering, and driver acclimatisation into just sixty minutes," Norris said. The shortened schedule forces teams and drivers to make critical decisions much more quickly. In the past, drivers could spend several days fine‑tuning their car’s balance, testing different aerodynamic configurations, and learning the limits of the track’s tight corners and elevation changes. With only a single practice session, the margin for error shrinks dramatically.
"You don’t have as much time to build up to things, so you’re probably going to have to take a little more risk earlier," Norris explained. "That’s when you can see a bigger difference between drivers who can get comfortable, try things and be at 99 percent, versus those who push to 103 or 104 percent. In Monaco, when you push beyond the limit, it’s game over." Norris emphasized that this heightened risk factor could actually make the event more thrilling for spectators. "It’s more exciting for the fans and the people watching," he added, suggesting that the added pressure on drivers could lead to more dramatic moments, whether in the Sprint or the main race.
The British driver’s comments come after his own success at the principality. Norris secured victory at the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix from pole position, a key achievement in his title‑winning campaign. His experience on the circuit gives him a unique perspective on how the new format might influence race strategy and driver performance.
The introduction of a Sprint race on Saturday also means that the traditional Sunday Grand Prix will be preceded by a competitive sprint on Friday, followed by a brief practice session on Saturday morning before the main event. This shift could affect tyre strategies, fuel loads, and even the way teams approach qualifying, as they will need to balance the desire for a strong Sprint result with the necessity of preserving the car for the longer Grand Prix. From a broader viewpoint, the decision to add a Sprint to Monaco reflects Formula 1’s ongoing efforts to innovate and keep the sport appealing to a global audience. By placing a high‑stakes, shorter race on one of the most demanding circuits, the governing body hopes to generate additional excitement and viewership, especially among fans who enjoy the unpredictability of sprint events.
Looking ahead, the 2027 season will kick off 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 or stream via NOW, with flexible subscription options that allow cancellation at any time. In summary, Lando Norris expects the addition of a Sprint race to Monaco to raise the difficulty level for drivers, compress the practice schedule, and force competitors to take more calculated risks earlier in the weekend.
While this presents a formidable challenge, it also promises a more exhilarating spectacle for audiences worldwide, potentially redefining how the sport approaches one of its most iconic venues.