Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have taken opposing stances on the proposal to turn the iconic Monaco Grand Prix into a Sprint‑format weekend beginning in 2027. The debate surfaced after Formula 1 unveiled its 2027 calendar, which includes an expansion of Sprint events from six to ten. Under the new plan, Monaco would host a traditional qualifying session on Friday followed by a 100‑kilometre Sprint race on Saturday, before the main Grand Prix on Sunday.
Monaco has long been recognised as one of the sport’s most challenging circuits when it comes to overtaking. Its narrow, winding streets leave little room for drivers to make passes, meaning qualifying performance is crucial. The governing body argued that adding a second qualifying session would give drivers an extra platform to demonstrate "world‑class skill and precision on the tight streets of Monte Carlo".
Hamilton, who is currently focused on a potential victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, expressed clear scepticism. "It makes no sense to me, but I’m not the one making the decisions," he said. While he appreciated the idea of an additional qualifying session, he felt Monaco needed a format that was distinct from the rest of the calendar. "We already have Sprints, which have injected fresh excitement into the sport, but Monaco is a beautiful venue, a stunning circuit, and yet the race can feel rather dull.
I don’t think a Sprint race solves that problem," Hamilton argued, suggesting that a more radical re‑thinking of the weekend might be required. Russell, Hamilton’s former teammate at Mercedes, offered a starkly different viewpoint during the FIA press conference in Baku.
He welcomed the increase in Sprint events, noting that traditional race weekends can feel overly long and that both drivers and fans crave more intense competition. "Driving an F1 car around the track is thrilling, but the real excitement comes from the battle for grid positions and the adrenaline of qualifying.
Sprint qualifying is far more engaging than a standard free‑practice session, so overall I think it makes sense," Russell explained. He acknowledged that the race itself might not become the most spectacular part of the weekend, but he believed the heightened drama on Friday would compensate. The conversation echoes previous criticism from Max Verstappen, who in 2023 warned that adding too many Sprint events could shorten his own career.
In recent months, however, Verstappen has softened his tone, indicating to F1 chief Stefano Domenicali that he is indifferent to where Sprints are placed. "If Monaco wants a Sprint, that’s fine.
I’m not emotionally attached to winning or losing a Sprint race. My focus has always been on the Grand Prix itself," he said, emphasizing his long‑standing priority of the main race. Other drivers also weighed in. Sergio Pérez of Red Bull admitted he first learned about the Monaco Sprint plan through the drivers' WhatsApp group and described the news as "a bit busy".
He suggested that the current Saturday‑only format could be made more variable, adding that a mixed‑up schedule might bring fresh interest to the weekend. "It will be an interesting weekend, and I’m definitely looking forward to it," Pérez added. McLaren’s Lando Norris highlighted the importance of fan opinion. "If the fans enjoy it, I’m happy," he said, noting that some races might be better suited for Sprint events than others.
Norris felt that while the decision ultimately rests with the sport’s organizers, the audience’s preferences should play a role in shaping the future of race weekends. The broader context of the 2027 schedule includes a decision pending on the inclusion of Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix, expected by mid‑October as the 2026 season draws to a close. Meanwhile, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend in Baku is already packed with action: practice sessions, qualifying, and the main race are all slated alongside F2 events and the F1 Show.
The schedule reflects Formula 1’s push to deliver more content across multiple platforms, with live coverage on Sky Sports and streaming options via NOW. In summary, the Monaco Sprint debate showcases a split among drivers.
Hamilton argues that a Sprint does not address the underlying issue of a lackluster race on a circuit that deserves something special, while Russell believes the added Friday excitement and the proven appeal of Sprint qualifying justify the change. Verstappen, Pérez, and Norris each add nuance, ranging from indifference to fan‑centric considerations. As the 2027 calendar approaches, the sport will have to balance tradition, driver preferences, and fan engagement to decide whether Monaco’s historic streets will host yet another Sprint or retain their classic format.