Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have voiced opposite opinions about the proposal to turn the Monaco Grand Prix into a Sprint-format weekend starting in 2027. The announcement came as part of Formula One's 2027 calendar reveal, which confirmed that the series will expand its Sprint programme from six events to ten, with Monaco slated to host an extra qualifying session on Friday followed by a 100-kilometre Sprint race on Saturday. Monaco is famed for its narrow, twisty streets that make overtaking a rare commodity. The governing body argued that the additional qualifying session would give drivers another chance to demonstrate "world‑class skill and precision on the narrow streets of Monte Carlo".
However, Hamilton was quick to express his doubts. "It makes no sense to me, but I'm not the one making the decisions," the seven‑time champion said while preparing for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He acknowledged the appeal of a second qualifying session, calling it "quite cool", but insisted that Monaco deserves a format that stands apart from the rest of the calendar.
"We've already added Sprints, which have brought something fresh to the sport, but Monaco needs its own unique twist. It's a beautiful location, an incredible circuit, yet the race can feel rather dull. A Sprint race isn’t the answer, in my view." 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 long‑winded. We all want to fight," he said.
He highlighted the excitement that a competitive qualifying session brings, noting that the adrenaline rush of a Sprint qualifying session is far more engaging than a traditional free‑practice run. "The race itself might not be the most thrilling, but a more exciting Friday compensates for that," Russell added, suggesting that the overall weekend experience would be enhanced. The debate echoes earlier criticism from Max Verstappen, who in 2023 warned that adding more Sprint events could shorten his career span.
While Verstappen has softened his public stance in recent years, he reiterated that his personal feelings about the location of Sprints are neutral. "Maybe Monaco wanted it, I don't know. For me, I just race and try to do my best.
I have no emotion attached to winning a Sprint or not. My focus has always been the Grand Prix itself," he told F1 boss Stefano Domenicali.
Even other drivers have weighed in. Sergio "Checo" Perez of Red Bull disclosed that he learned about the Monaco Sprint plan through the drivers' WhatsApp group and described the news as "a bit busy".
He suggested that the change could add variability to a weekend that has, in recent years, felt like a straightforward Saturday race. "It could mix things up a little more, and I'm definitely looking forward to it," Perez said.
McLaren's Lando Norris, the reigning world champion, argued that fans should have a say in where Sprint events are held. "If the fans have a better time then I'm happy," Norris explained, adding that some circuits might be better suited to the Sprint format than others.
He emphasized that the decision ultimately lies with the sport's organisers, not the drivers. Beyond the driver commentary, the schedule for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix illustrates how the weekend will be structured with the new Sprint format in mind. Thursday will feature F2 practice sessions and a qualifying round, followed by the team bosses' press conference. Friday will see an F2 Sprint, the third practice session for F1, and the main qualifying session that determines the grid for the Grand Prix.
Saturday includes the F2 Feature Race and the start of the Grand Prix itself, while Sunday will host the race climax, post‑race analysis, and fan reaction segments. The broader context of the Sprint expansion reflects Formula One's ongoing effort to inject fresh excitement into its product. By increasing the number of Sprint weekends, the sport hopes to offer more on‑track action, diversify race weekends, and potentially attract new viewers. Critics, however, argue that the format may dilute the prestige of traditional Grand Prix weekends, especially on circuits like Monaco where the heritage and spectacle are tightly linked to the classic race format.
In summary, the Monaco Sprint proposal has sparked a lively discussion among the sport's top talent. Hamilton sees the addition as unnecessary and potentially detrimental to the unique character of the Monte Carlo event. Russell, on the other hand, believes the extra qualifying session and Sprint race will add excitement and shorten the perceived length of a race weekend.
Verstappen, Perez, and Norris each offer nuanced perspectives that balance personal preferences with a broader view of fan engagement and the sport's evolution. As the 2027 calendar approaches, the final decision on Monaco's format will likely hinge on a combination of driver feedback, fan sentiment, and the commercial objectives of Formula One's leadership.