Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have taken opposite positions on the proposal to turn the Monaco Grand Prix into a Sprint weekend starting in 2027. The debate emerged after Formula 1 unveiled its 2027 calendar, which will feature ten Sprint events instead of the current six, with Monaco slated to host one of the new formats.
Under the Sprint concept, the weekend includes an additional qualifying session on Friday followed by a short 100‑kilometre race on Saturday, before the traditional Grand Prix on Sunday. Monaco is renowned for being one of the most challenging circuits on the calendar when it comes to overtaking. The narrow, twisty streets of Monte Carlo leave drivers with very few opportunities to pass, which has traditionally resulted in processional races.
F1 officials, however, argue that the extra qualifying session will give drivers a second chance to demonstrate their precision and skill on the demanding layout, thereby adding excitement for fans. Hamilton, who is currently focused on the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, expressed clear skepticism. "It makes no sense to me, but I'm not the one making the decisions," he said, highlighting his lack of influence over the calendar while underscoring his personal doubts. He acknowledged that an additional qualifying session could be "quite cool," but he believes Monaco deserves a format that is distinct from the rest of the championship.
"We've already added the Sprints, which have brought something fresh to the sport, but Monaco needs its own unique identity. It's a beautiful location, an incredible circuit, yet the race itself can feel dull.
A Sprint race isn’t the answer," Hamilton concluded. In contrast, Russell, Hamilton’s former teammate at Mercedes, defended the Sprint concept during the FIA press conference in Baku. "I think it’s good because we’ve had Sprints for a while now, and normal race weekends can feel long‑winded.
We all want to fight," he explained. Russell emphasized that the thrill of Formula 1 lies in the competition and the adrenaline rush that qualifying provides. "Sprint qualifying is far more exciting than a standard free‑practice session, so overall it makes sense," he added, noting that while the main race might not be the most exhilarating, the enhanced Friday programme could compensate.
Max Verstappen, the reigning champion, has historically been a vocal critic of expanding Sprint weekends. In 2023 he warned that adding more Sprints could shorten his career, saying he wouldn’t be around long enough to see the full impact. Recently, however, Verstappen has softened his tone, stating that he has communicated his views directly to F1 chief Stefano Domenicali.
He remarked, "Maybe Monaco wanted it, I don’t know. For me, I honestly don’t care where the Sprints are. I race, and I try to do my best.
I have no emotional attachment to winning or losing a Sprint; my focus has always been on the Grand Prix itself." Sergio Perez of Cadillac discovered the Monaco Sprint news through the drivers' WhatsApp group and described the announcement as "a bit busy." He suggested that the event could become more varied, noting that recent years have seen the Monaco race essentially reduced to a Saturday affair. "If we can mix things up a little, it could make the weekend more interesting.
I’m definitely looking forward to it," Perez said. McLaren’s Lando Norris weighed in on the broader issue of fan involvement, arguing that spectators should have a voice in determining where Sprint races are held. "If the fans have a better time, then I’m happy," Norris said, adding that some circuits might be better suited for Sprint action than others, but ultimately the decision lies with the sport’s governance.
Beyond the driver commentary, the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend is packed with a dense schedule of events across both Formula 1 and Formula 2. On Thursday, September 24, the day begins with an F2 practice session at 9 a.m., followed by qualifying and a team bosses' press conference. Friday, September 25, features an F2 Sprint, additional practice sessions, the F2 Feature Race, and the crucial F1 qualifying session that determines the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix.
Saturday, September 26, hosts the second F2 Feature Race and the main Grand Prix, with post‑race analysis and reaction shows scheduled throughout the afternoon. All sessions are broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and can be streamed via NOW with a flexible subscription. The controversy surrounding Monaco’s Sprint format reflects a larger conversation within Formula 1 about how to balance tradition with innovation. Monaco’s heritage as a glamorous, historic venue is unquestioned, yet its lack of overtaking opportunities has long been a point of criticism.
Proponents of the Sprint argue that additional qualifying sessions and a shorter race can inject unpredictability, while opponents worry that the format may dilute the prestige of the classic Grand Prix. Looking ahead, the 2027 calendar will test these ideas. If Monaco’s Sprint proves successful, it could set a precedent for other iconic tracks to adopt similar formats, potentially reshaping the sport’s weekend structure.
Conversely, if the experiment falls flat, the FIA may need to reconsider how best to preserve the unique character of each circuit while still delivering the excitement that modern audiences demand. In summary, Hamilton sees the Sprint as an unnecessary overlay on a race that already struggles to deliver drama, whereas Russell views it as a valuable addition that could revitalize a traditionally static weekend.
Verstappen remains largely indifferent, focusing on the Grand Prix itself, while Perez and Norris highlight the importance of variety and fan engagement. As the season progresses toward the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the differing perspectives of the drivers will continue to fuel a lively debate about the future of Sprint events and the evolution of Formula 1’s most storied venues.