Lewis Hamilton and his teammate George Russell have voiced opposing opinions about the decision to turn the Monaco Grand Prix into a Sprint‑format weekend starting in 2027. The announcement came as part of Formula 1’s 2027 calendar reveal, which confirmed that the total number of Sprint events will rise from six to ten. Under the new plan, Monaco will host an extra qualifying session on Friday, followed by a 100‑kilometre Sprint race on Saturday, before the traditional Grand Prix on Sunday.
Monaco is renowned for being one of the toughest circuits on the calendar when it comes to overtaking, thanks to its narrow streets and tight corners. F1 officials have argued that the additional qualifying session offers drivers a second chance to demonstrate their precision and skill on the famously demanding Monte Carlo layout.
They contend that the extra session could add excitement and give fans more on‑track action. Hamilton, who is currently focused on a possible victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, expressed clear skepticism. "It makes no sense to me, but I'm not the one making the decisions," he said, emphasizing that the ultimate authority lies elsewhere. He acknowledged the appeal of an extra qualifying session, calling it "quite cool," yet insisted that Monaco needs a format that stands apart from the rest of the calendar.
"We've already added Sprint races, which have injected fresh energy into the sport, but Monaco deserves something unique. It's a beautiful place, a stunning circuit, yet the race itself can feel rather dull.
I don’t think a Sprint is the answer," Hamilton added. Russell, on the other hand, offered a contrasting viewpoint during the FIA press conference in Baku. He argued that the Sprint format could alleviate the perceived monotony of a typical race weekend.
"We've had Sprints for a while now, and normal weekends can feel long‑winded. Everyone wants to fight," he explained. Russell highlighted the thrill that comes from the competition itself, especially the adrenaline rush of qualifying.
"Sprint qualifying is far more exciting than a standard free‑practice session, so overall it makes sense," he concluded. The debate mirrors broader sentiment within the paddock.
Max Verstappen, who has historically been a vocal critic of Sprint weekends, warned in 2023 that adding too many could shorten his career, saying he wouldn’t be around "for too long" if the calendar became overloaded. In recent months, however, Verstappen has softened his stance, noting to team principal Stefano Domenicali that he has no strong feelings about where Sprints are placed. "I just race and try to do my best, regardless of whether it’s a Sprint or a full Grand Prix," he said, emphasizing his focus on the main event rather than the ancillary format.
Sergio Pérez of Cadillac also chimed in, revealing that he first learned about the Monaco Sprint proposal through the drivers' WhatsApp group. He described the news as "a bit busy" but saw potential for added variety. "Monaco has become a Saturday‑only affair in recent years, and the Sprint could shake things up a little. I’m looking forward to seeing how it plays out," Pérez remarked.
McLaren’s Lando Norris added a fan‑centric perspective, suggesting that the audience should have a say in where Sprints are held. "If the fans enjoy it, I’m happy.
Some races could make for more exciting Sprints, but that decision isn’t ours to make," he said. Beyond the driver commentary, the schedule for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix illustrates how Sprint events are being woven into the broader race weekend.
On Thursday, September 24, the day begins with F2 practice, followed by qualifying, a team bosses' press conference, and the start of F2 Practice Two. Friday, September 25, features an F2 Sprint, the third F2 practice session, the F2 Feature Race 1, and the build‑up to the Azerbaijan GP qualifying, which takes place at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 26, hosts the second F2 Feature Race, the Grand Prix itself, and post‑race analysis, while Sunday offers a recap and fan reaction.
The inclusion of Sprint races aims to create a more dynamic weekend for both participants and viewers. Proponents argue that the shorter, high‑intensity Sprint can produce unexpected results, offering drivers a chance to score extra points and fans a fresh spectacle. Critics, however, worry that the traditional charm of Monaco—its historic aura and the strategic depth of a single, decisive race—might be diluted by the added pressure of a Sprint. Ultimately, the decision to adopt a Sprint format in Monaco reflects Formula 1’s ongoing experiment with its race weekend structure.
The sport is balancing heritage with innovation, trying to keep long‑time fans engaged while attracting new audiences. As the 2027 season approaches, the differing viewpoints of Hamilton, Russell, Verstappen, Pérez, and Norris highlight the complexity of that balancing act.
Whether the Sprint will enhance Monaco’s allure or undermine its unique character remains to be seen, but the conversation it has sparked underscores the evolving nature of modern motorsport.