Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have taken opposite stances on the proposal to turn the Monaco Grand Prix into a Sprint weekend starting in 2027. The debate surfaced after Formula 1 unveiled its 2027 schedule, which includes a jump from six to ten Sprint events. Monaco, famed for its narrow, twist‑filled streets, would host an additional qualifying session on Friday followed by a 100‑kilometre Sprint race on Saturday, alongside the traditional Sunday Grand Prix.
Monaco has always been one of the toughest circuits for overtaking, a fact that the sport’s organisers used to justify the extra qualifying opportunity. They argued that two qualifying sessions would give drivers a further platform to demonstrate "world‑class skill and precision on the narrow streets of Monte Carlo".
Hamilton, who is focused on a win at the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, dismissed the idea as ill‑conceived. "It makes no sense to me, but I'm not the one making the decisions," he said. He acknowledged the appeal of an extra qualifying session, calling it "quite cool," but insisted that Monaco needs a format that is distinct from the rest of the calendar.
"We've already added Sprints, which have injected fresh excitement into the sport, but Monaco deserves something different. It's a beautiful location, a stunning circuit, yet the race itself can feel dull. I don't think a Sprint is the answer," Hamilton added. In contrast, Russell, Hamilton’s former teammate at Mercedes, defended the Sprint concept during a press conference in Baku.
"I think it’s good because we’ve had Sprints for a while now, and the normal race weekends can feel long‑winded. Everyone wants to fight," he explained.
He highlighted that the thrill of a Formula 1 weekend comes from the competition and the adrenaline rush of qualifying. "The race might not be the most exciting part, but a more action‑packed Friday compensates for that.
Sprint qualifying is far more exciting than a regular free‑practice session, so overall it makes sense," Russell argued. The split in opinion mirrors a broader conversation within the paddock about how many Sprint events the championship should feature. Max Verstappen, a vocal critic of the format in 2023, warned that adding too many Sprints could shorten his career.
In recent months he has softened his tone, saying to F1 chief Stefano Domenicali that he has "made his feelings clear" and that he is indifferent to where Sprints are placed. "Maybe Monaco wanted it, I don’t know.
For me I just race and try to do my best. I have no emotion attached to winning a Sprint or not.
My focus has always been on the Grand Prix," Verstappen stated. Other drivers have weighed in as well. Sergio Pérez of Red Bull admitted he first heard about the Monaco Sprint plan through the drivers' WhatsApp group and described the news as "a bit busy". He suggested that the weekend could become more varied, noting that in recent years the Monaco event has essentially boiled down to a Saturday race.
"If we can mix things up a little, it will be an interesting weekend, and I’m looking forward to it," Pérez said. McLaren’s Lando Norris took a fan‑centric view, arguing that spectators should have a say in where Sprint races are held. "If the fans have a better time then I’m happy," he remarked.
He added that the sport could have selected more suitable venues for Sprints, but ultimately the decision lies with the organizers. The controversy highlights the unique challenges Monaco presents.
Its tight, winding layout leaves little room for overtaking, meaning qualifying performance is crucial. Adding a Sprint could theoretically give drivers another chance to showcase speed, but critics argue it may dilute the prestige of the historic Grand Prix. Beyond the Monaco debate, the 2027 calendar promises a packed early season, with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix serving as the next testbed for the expanded Sprint format. The weekend schedule includes multiple practice sessions, a Sprint race on Friday, and the traditional Grand Prix on Sunday, all broadcast live on Sky Sports.
As teams prepare for the Baku street circuit, the differing viewpoints on Monaco’s Sprint future will likely continue to shape discussions among drivers, team principals, and fans alike. In summary, Hamilton sees the Sprint as an unnecessary addition that fails to capture Monaco’s unique character, while Russell views it as a welcome evolution that adds excitement to a traditionally long‑winded weekend.
Verstappen remains largely indifferent, focusing on the main race, and other drivers like Pérez and Norris echo the sentiment that any change should enhance the spectacle for fans. The final decision will hinge on how the sport balances tradition with innovation as it looks to keep Formula 1 fresh and engaging for a global audience.