Lando Norris has backed the decision to make the Monaco Grand Prix a sprint event, saying it should make the event more entertaining for fans.
Monaco’s iconic F1 race around its narrow streets has drawn criticism in recent years as a spectacle lacking overtaking and entertainment.
F1’s newly released calendar for next year listed the street race as a sprint race -- which means an extra qualifying session to set the grid for a short race, ahead of qualifying for the grand prix itself.
“Interesting,” was reigning champion Norris’ verdict when asked by Sky Sports about his thoughts at Wentworth’s BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am.
The addition of the two competitive sessions comes in place of two practice sessions -- meaning drivers will only have an hour on track to prepare for the weekend.
“I guess the main thing is that means you’ve got FP1, [sprint] qualifying on Friday -- which is the challenge,” the McLaren driver said.
“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.
“Obviously tougher for us as drivers. You don’t have as much time to build up to things so you’re going to you’re probably going have to try and risk a little bit more earlier which is normally when you can see a bit more of a difference between people who can get comfy, try things and be at 99% and not go to 103 and 104 [%] because in Monaco when you go to that limit, game over.
“It’s more exciting for the fans and the people watching.”
F1’s 2027 calendar features ten sprint events, up from six this year, in its 24-event schedule.
