Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have taken opposing stances on the proposal to turn the Monaco Grand Prix into a Sprint-format weekend starting in 2027. The controversy emerged after Formula 1 unveiled its 2027 calendar, which includes a jump from six to ten Sprint events. Under the new plan, Monaco would host an additional qualifying session on Friday, followed by a 100‑kilometre Sprint race on Saturday, before the traditional Grand Prix on Sunday.
Monaco is famed for its narrow, twisty streets and the difficulty drivers face when trying to overtake. The sport’s officials argue that the extra qualifying session offers a fresh opportunity for drivers to demonstrate the precision and skill required to navigate Monte Carlo’s tight confines. They claim that two qualifying sessions will give fans a better glimpse of the drivers' world‑class abilities on one of the most iconic circuits in the world. Hamilton, who is currently focused on a strong showing at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, was blunt in his reaction.
"It makes no sense to me, but I’m not the one making the decisions," he said. He acknowledged that an extra qualifying session could be interesting, but he believes Monaco needs a format that is distinct from the rest of the calendar.
"We already have Sprints, which have added something new to the sport, but Monaco is a beautiful place, an incredible circuit, and the race as it stands is as dull as it gets. I don’t think a Sprint race is the answer," he added.
In contrast, Russell, Hamilton’s former teammate at Mercedes, defended the Sprint concept during the FIA press conference in Baku. "I personally think it’s good because we’ve had Sprints for a while now, and a normal race weekend can feel long‑winded.
We all want to fight," he explained. Russell highlighted the excitement that comes from qualifying and sprint qualifying, noting that the latter is far more thrilling than the traditional free‑practice sessions. "The race might not be the most exciting, but a more action‑packed Friday compensates for that," he argued. Max Verstappen, the reigning champion, has historically been critical of adding more Sprint weekends.
In 2023 he warned that an overload of Sprint events could shorten his career. Although he has softened his public tone in recent years, Verstappen reiterated that his primary focus remains the Grand Prix itself. "I don’t have any particular emotion about winning a Sprint or not. My goal has always been to win the Grand Prix," he said, adding that he respects the decisions made by F1 boss Stefano Domenicali.
Other drivers also weighed in. Sergio Perez of Red Bull admitted he first learned about the Monaco Sprint plan through a drivers' WhatsApp group and described the news as "a bit busy." He suggested that the weekend could become more varied, noting that recent years have seen Monaco reduced to essentially a Saturday event. "If we can mix things up a little, it could be an interesting weekend," Perez said.
McLaren’s Lando Norris emphasized the importance of fan opinion. "If the fans have a better time then I’m happy," he said, adding that the sport should perhaps choose other venues where a Sprint would be more naturally exciting. "It’s not our decision to make, but I think fans should have a say," Norris concluded. Beyond the driver commentary, the schedule for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix illustrates how tightly packed a modern F1 weekend can be.
On Thursday, practice sessions for both F2 and F1 begin, followed by qualifying and a team‑boss press conference. Friday sees the F2 Sprint, additional practice, and the F1 qualifying build‑up, culminating in the official qualifying session. Saturday hosts the F2 Feature Race and the main Grand Prix, while Sunday provides post‑race analysis and reaction shows.
The entire program is broadcast live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available via NOW. The debate over Monaco’s Sprint format reflects a larger tension within Formula 1: balancing tradition with innovation.
Monaco has long been celebrated for its historic glamour, its challenging layout, and the prestige of winning there. Yet the sport’s leadership is eager to inject fresh excitement into every race weekend, especially as the calendar expands into new markets and seeks to retain younger audiences. Supporters of the Sprint argue that the shorter, high‑intensity race can attract viewers who might find a three‑hour Grand Prix less engaging. The Sprint also offers teams an additional chance to earn points, potentially reshaping championship battles.
Critics, however, contend that the unique character of Monaco—where overtaking is almost impossible and the race is a test of strategy and driver patience—could be diluted by a format that emphasizes raw speed over tactical nuance. As the 2027 season approaches, the F1 community will be watching closely to see whether Monaco adopts the Sprint or retains its classic format. The decision will likely influence how other historic circuits are treated in the future, setting a precedent for how the sport reconciles its storied past with the desire to evolve.
Regardless of the outcome, the conversation sparked by Hamilton, Russell, and their peers underscores the passionate engagement of drivers, teams, and fans alike in shaping the direction of Formula 1.