Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have voiced opposite opinions about the plan to turn the Monaco Grand Prix into a Sprint-format weekend starting in 2027. The proposal was part of Formula 1's latest calendar announcement, which increased the total number of Sprint events from six to ten.
Under the new format, Monaco would 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 famously narrow and offers few overtaking opportunities, which is why the series highlighted the addition of a second qualifying session as a chance for drivers to display "world‑class skill and precision on the tight streets of Monte Carlo." Hamilton, however, was quick to express his skepticism. "It makes no sense to me, but I'm not the one making the decisions," the seven‑time champion said ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he is hoping to fight for victory.
He acknowledged that an extra qualifying session could be interesting, but argued that Monaco needs a format that is distinct from the rest of the calendar. "We've already got Sprints, which have added something fresh to the sport, but Monaco is a beautiful place, a stunning circuit, and the race itself can feel a bit dull. I don't think a Sprint solves that problem," he added.
Russell, Hamilton's former teammate at Mercedes, offered a starkly different perspective during the FIA press conference in Baku. "I think it's good because we've had Sprints for a while, and normal race weekends can feel long‑winded.
We all want to fight," the British driver said. He emphasized that the excitement of a Formula 1 weekend comes from the competition and the adrenaline rush of qualifying.
"Sprint qualifying is far more thrilling than a regular practice session, so overall it makes sense," Russell argued, even if the race itself might not be the most exhilarating. Max Verstappen, who has previously criticised the expansion of Sprint weekends, has softened his stance in recent years.
In 2023 he warned that adding too many Sprints could shorten his career, but he has since told team principal Stefano Domenicali that he is indifferent to where the Sprints are held. "I don't have any emotional attachment to winning a Sprint or not," Verstappen said. "My focus has always been on the Grand Prix, just like when I was a kid dreaming about race day." Sergio Perez of Cadillac also weighed in after learning about the Monaco change through the drivers' WhatsApp group. He described the news as "a bit busy" but expressed optimism that a Sprint could add variety to a weekend that has recently been reduced to essentially a Saturday event.
"It could mix things up a little and make the weekend more interesting. I'm definitely looking forward to it," he said. McLaren's Lando Norris highlighted the role of the fans in deciding the future of Sprint events.
"If the fans have a better time, then I'm happy," the young Brit said, adding that some races might be better suited to the Sprint format than others. He stressed that the decision ultimately lies with the sport's leadership, not the drivers.
The broader context of the discussion is the 2027 calendar rollout, which sees Monaco joining other historic venues such as Silverstone and Spa in hosting a Sprint. The series hopes that the extra qualifying session will compensate for the limited overtaking opportunities on the Monte Carlo streets, while also providing additional broadcast content for global audiences. Beyond the driver quotes, the schedule for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix illustrates how a typical race weekend is structured. On Thursday, F2 practice sessions begin early, followed by qualifying and a team‑boss press conference.
Friday features the F2 Sprint, additional practice for the F1 cars, and the start of the F1 qualifying build‑up, culminating in the official Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying session. Saturday hosts the F2 Feature Race and the Monaco‑style Grand Prix, while Sunday concludes with the main race, post‑race analysis, and fan reaction segments. All of these sessions are broadcast live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available through NOW. The debate over Monaco's Sprint reflects a larger tension within Formula 1 between tradition and innovation.
Monaco has long been celebrated for its glamour, heritage, and the unique challenge it poses to drivers, but critics argue that the race can become processional due to the scarcity of passing zones. Proponents of the Sprint argue that the added qualifying session injects a burst of excitement and provides teams with another opportunity to showcase their technical prowess. Opponents, like Hamilton, worry that simply tacking on a Sprint does not address the underlying issue of a race that can feel monotonous. As the sport moves toward 2027, the decision will likely hinge on how well the Sprint format performs at other venues and whether fans respond positively to the increased action on Fridays.
If the Monaco Sprint proves popular, it could set a precedent for further experimentation at other classic circuits. If it falls flat, the series may need to explore alternative solutions—perhaps a reversed grid, a shorter main race, or even a night‑time edition—to keep the iconic Grand Prix fresh and engaging for both drivers and spectators alike.