Lewis Hamilton and his teammate George Russell have voiced opposing opinions about the plan to turn the Monaco Grand Prix into a Sprint‑weekend starting in 2027. The proposal, unveiled alongside the 2027 Formula 1 calendar, would increase the total number of Sprint events from six to ten, with the iconic Monte Carlo circuit joining the list.
Under the new arrangement, drivers would face 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 its narrow, twisty streets and its reputation as one of the hardest places on the grid to overtake.
Formula 1 officials argue that adding a second qualifying session gives the drivers another chance to demonstrate "world‑class skill and precision" on the demanding circuit. Yet Hamilton, who is currently focused on a win at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, dismissed the idea as nonsensical. "It makes no sense to me, but I'm not the one making the decisions," he said, adding that while a second qualifying session is "quite cool," the overall race format in Monaco needs a more radical rethink.
"We've already introduced Sprints, which have injected fresh excitement into the sport," Hamilton continued. "But Monaco is a beautiful place, an incredible circuit, and yet the race itself can feel dull. I don’t think a Sprint race solves that problem. We need something different, something that respects the heritage of Monte Carlo while giving fans a more compelling spectacle." In contrast, Russell offered a more enthusiastic take during the FIA press conference in Baku.
He argued that the Sprint format adds much‑needed variety to what can otherwise be a long‑winded weekend. "Driving a Formula 1 car around the track is always fun, but the real thrill comes from the competition and the adrenaline of qualifying," he explained. "Sprint qualifying is far more exciting than a traditional free‑practice session, so overall it makes sense to keep the format." Max Verstappen, who has been a vocal critic of Sprint weekends in the past, has softened his stance.
In 2023 he warned that adding more Sprints could shorten his career, but more recently he told team principal Stefano Domenicali that he is indifferent to where the Sprints are held. "I don’t have any emotion attached to winning a Sprint or not," Verstappen said. "My focus has always been on the Grand Prix, just like when I was a kid watching the race." His pragmatic approach suggests he will compete wherever the calendar places a Sprint, without letting it affect his overall championship ambitions.
Other drivers also weighed in. Sergio Perez of Red Bull admitted he learned about the Monaco Sprint decision through a WhatsApp group among the drivers and described the news as "a bit busy." He sees the change as an opportunity to add variability to a weekend that has become too predictable in recent years. "It could mix things up and make the weekend more interesting," Perez said, expressing genuine curiosity about how the new format will play out.
McLaren’s Lando Norris highlighted the importance of fan sentiment. "If the fans enjoy it, I’m happy," he remarked, suggesting that the sport should consider spectator preferences when deciding which races host Sprints.
Norris believes other circuits might be better suited for the Sprint format, but ultimately the decision rests with the governing body, not the drivers. The broader context of the 2027 calendar shift includes a strategic push to make race weekends more engaging across the board.
By expanding the Sprint programme, Formula 1 hopes to attract new viewers, increase on‑track action, and provide teams with additional opportunities to score points. Critics argue that too many Sprints could dilute the prestige of the traditional Grand Prix, while supporters claim they inject fresh drama into a sport that can sometimes feel predictable. Monaco, with its historic aura and limited overtaking zones, sits at the centre of this debate. The circuit’s unique challenges have always made qualifying crucial, and a second qualifying session could theoretically level the playing field.
However, Hamilton’s concern is that simply adding another short race does not address the underlying issue: the Monaco Grand Prix can feel like a procession rather than a competitive battle. Fans, teams, and drivers will be watching closely as the 2027 season approaches. The first Sprint‑weekend at Monaco is slated for 2027, and its success—or failure—could influence whether the sport continues to expand the Sprint format or reconsiders its approach. Until then, the conversation remains lively, reflecting the diverse perspectives within the paddock on how best to evolve Formula 1 while preserving the magic of iconic venues like Monte Carlo.