– The announcement to hold a sprint in Monaco in 2027 initially caused surprise among many Formula 1 fans on Wednesday. Meanwhile, reigning world champion Lando Norris has commented on the topic and described the decision as “interesting” on Sky.
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“I think the most important thing is that on Friday there is FP1 and then directly qualifying – which is a challenge,” Norris explains, adding: “Of course, not much will happen during the race on Sunday or the sprint.”
“But the challenge is that there is only one practice session, which probably has never happened before in Monaco,” says the world champion, explaining: “For us drivers, that is naturally more difficult.”
“You don’t have much time to gradually get a feel for things, so you probably have to try to take more risks earlier – and that’s usually when the difference shows between those who feel comfortable, try things out, and stay at 99 percent instead of going to 103 or 104 [percent].”
“Because if you go over that limit in Monaco, it’s over,” explains the 2025 Monaco winner, who also suspects: “For the fans and viewers, it’s more exciting.” Although it is assumed that not much will happen in the sprint itself.
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However, on Friday there is already an additional highlight for the fans with the qualification for the short race. And at least Lando Norris seems quite open to this idea.
Other drivers have already expressed much more critical views in the past. Record champion Lewis Hamilton, for example, stated in 2022 that for him it would be “completely ridiculous to hold a sprint race in Monaco.”
“I like that we try something new. But for Monaco, we need a different solution,” Hamilton said at the time.
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