Lando Norris spots 'complicated' issue as Monaco GP sees F1 rules changed in major way

Lando Norris has suggested the upcoming could be a game of chance as he contemplates the mandatory two-stop race, which may throw up an unexpected victor in the season's most prestigious event.

Recognised worldwide as the crown jewel of F1, and undoubtedly the calendar's most renowned of the 24 races, Monaco takes drivers on a demanding tour past Casino Square, around the infamous hairpin, through the tunnel, and by the luxurious yachts of the harbour. Traditionally, however, the narrow streets have not been conducive to exhilarating races.

In an attempt to revitalise the spectacle and shake up the strategic scene, has enforced a two-stop minimum for the forthcoming face off, at a circuit where overtaking is notoriously tricky.

admits strategy isn't top of his mind right now but believes Sunday's race stands to be notably "complicated" due to the new mandate. The racer said: "It's something I don't need to be overthinking but it'll be a complicated race for sure.

"It's not as simple as just [pitting] twice, you know? It's an opportunity, I think that's the biggest thing, that there is opportunity for everyone. I think there can be more luck involved for anyone. It's easier to have probably a surprise winner this weekend, which is good and bad.

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"If you're up the front, then that's not something you want. But if you're a bit further back, then it's a perfect opportunity for you. So, yeah, opportunity is probably the best way to put it."

Currently sitting second in the championship rankings, Norris trails his McLaren colleague by a mere 13 points. may have closed in on the leader with his recent Imola triumph, but so did Norris by snatching second place from Piastri towards the end of the race.

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The Brit has been vocal about his frustration over qualifying mishaps which relegated him to fourth on the grid, echoing setbacks he faced in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia this year. Norris openly acknowledged the issue and said: "I'm confident I have the speed but, you know, it's true that this year I've not been able to put things together as well as what I have done in the past for many, many years.

"I've just not done well enough this season. It's not like I'm doing a bad job but when you're against the best in the , not doing a perfect job is also the definition of probably doing a bad job. My Sundays I don't even need to think about. I'm very happy with. My opportunity is on Saturday."

Meanwhile, of has been nothing short of impressive in qualifying this year, consistently securing a top five start in every race thus far. And, despite Mercedes' dreadful race at Imola last Sunday, the 27-year-old heads into Monaco feeling bullish.

He said: "We are excited for this weekend. I think people know that quali has been a strength, we have been within a tenth of pole on so many occasions. With this two-stop strategy it is going to be really interesting to see how it pans out because in the past it was solely about qualifying. I don't think that is going to be the case this weekend, race pace isn't meaningless. We know that hasn't been a strength, so a little bit of mixed feelings."