Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have taken opposing stances on the proposal to turn the 2027 Monaco Grand Prix into a Sprint-format weekend. The governing body of Formula 1 unveiled its 2027 schedule last week, announcing that the number of Sprint events will rise from six to ten. Monaco is slated to join the list, meaning the traditional format will be altered to include an extra qualifying session on Friday followed by a 100‑kilometre Sprint race on Saturday. Monaco has long been recognised as one of the most challenging circuits for overtaking, its tight, winding streets offering few opportunities to pass.
The sport’s officials, however, argue that the additional qualifying session gives drivers another chance to demonstrate "world‑class skill and precision on the narrow streets of Monte Carlo". The idea is to inject fresh excitement into a race that many fans view as a showcase of driver talent rather than pure speed. Hamilton was quick to voice 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 hopes to contend for victory.
He acknowledged that a second qualifying session could be "quite cool", yet he believes Monaco deserves a format that is distinct from the rest of the calendar. "We've already got the Sprints, which have added something new to the sport. But for a place as beautiful as Monte Carlo, the race can feel a bit dull.
I don't think a Sprint solves that," he explained. Hamilton suggested that a more inventive approach, perhaps a unique race structure, would better suit the iconic venue. 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 a normal race weekend can feel a bit long‑winded.
We all want to fight," the British driver said. He highlighted the adrenaline rush that comes from qualifying and argued that a more thrilling Friday – with Sprint Qualifying replacing the traditional free‑practice session – would compensate for any perceived lack of excitement on race day. "Sprint Qualifying is far more exciting than FP2, so overall it makes sense," he added.
Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, has historically been a vocal critic of expanding Sprint weekends. In 2023 he warned that adding more Sprints could shorten his career, though he has softened his tone in recent years.
Verstappen told reporters that he has communicated his views to F1 chief Stefano Domenicali and that he remains indifferent to where the Sprints are placed. "Maybe Monaco wanted it, I don’t know.
For me, I just race and try to do my best. I have no emotional attachment to winning a Sprint or not. My focus has always been on the Grand Prix itself," he said. Sergio Perez of Red Bull admitted he first learned about the Monaco Sprint plan through the drivers' WhatsApp group, describing the news as "a bit busy".
He suggested that the event could become more variable, noting that recent years have seen Monaco reduced to essentially a Saturday affair. "If we can mix things up a little, it could be an interesting weekend. I’m definitely looking forward to it," Perez remarked. McLaren’s Lando Norris offered a fan‑centric perspective, saying that spectators should have a say in where Sprint races are held.
"If the fans enjoy it, I’m happy. I think there are other races that could provide a more exciting Sprint, but that’s not our decision to make," he explained.
The broader context of the 2027 calendar shift includes a significant increase in Sprint events, moving from six to ten across the season. This change reflects Formula 1’s ongoing experimentation with race formats to keep the sport fresh and attract new audiences.
While some drivers, like Hamilton, fear that the unique character of certain circuits may be diluted, others, such as Russell, view the added qualifying action as a welcome evolution. Monaco’s heritage as a glamorous, historic venue adds another layer to the debate.
The circuit’s narrow lanes and lack of overtaking zones have always meant that qualifying performance is crucial. Adding a Sprint could either enhance the spectacle by giving fans another competitive session or further compress the weekend’s excitement into a format that some feel undermines the traditional Grand Prix experience. Fans, teams, and sponsors will be watching closely as the FIA finalises the details. The decision will likely influence how future classic venues are treated, balancing the desire for innovation with respect for the sport’s storied traditions.
As the 2027 season approaches, the conversation surrounding Monaco’s Sprint will remain a focal point for discussions about the direction of Formula 1. Meanwhile, the 2026 season continues with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku. The weekend schedule includes multiple practice sessions, qualifying, and the main race, all broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. The event serves as a reminder that, regardless of format debates, the core of Formula 1 remains the high‑speed competition that captivates millions worldwide.