Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have taken opposite sides on the proposal to turn the Monaco Grand Prix into a Sprint weekend starting in 2027. The announcement came as part of Formula One's 2027 calendar reveal, which confirmed that the series will boost its Sprint format from six events to ten, with the principality of Monaco slated to host one of the new Sprint weekends. Under the Sprint format, drivers will face an additional qualifying session on Friday, followed by a short 100‑kilometre race on Saturday that determines the grid for the main Grand Prix on Sunday.
Monaco is famous for its tight, twisty streets and its notorious difficulty when it comes to overtaking. The governing body argued that a second qualifying session would give the world’s best drivers another chance to display their precision and skill on the narrow Monte Carlo circuit.
However, 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 fight for victory.
He acknowledged that an extra qualifying session could be appealing, yet he felt the historic venue needed a more distinctive approach. "Monaco is a beautiful place, a stunning country, an incredible circuit, but the race itself can be pretty dull. We've already introduced Sprints, which have added excitement to the sport, but I don’t think a Sprint race is the answer for Monaco," Hamilton explained. 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 normal race weekends feel a bit long‑winded. We all want to fight," he said. Russell emphasized that the thrill of Formula One comes not only from the race itself but also from the intensity of qualifying. "Sprint qualifying is far more exciting than a regular free‑practice session, so overall it makes sense," he added, suggesting that a more action‑packed Friday could compensate for a potentially less dramatic Sunday race.
Other drivers have also weighed in. Max Verstappen, who has been a vocal critic of Sprint weekends in the past, softened his stance this year. He told Formula One boss Stefano Domenicali that he does not mind where Sprints are held, as long as he can compete.
"I have no emotion attached to winning a Sprint race or not. My focus has always been on the Grand Prix," Verstappen said, recalling his childhood dream of racing in a full‑distance event. Sergio Perez of Cadillac discovered the Monaco Sprint news through the drivers' WhatsApp group and described the situation as "a bit busy." He suggested that the weekend could become more varied, noting that recent years have seen the Monaco race essentially reduced to a Saturday event. "It could mix things up a little more and make the weekend interesting.
I’m definitely looking forward to it," Perez added. McLaren’s Lando Norris highlighted the importance of fan opinion, stating that if spectators enjoy the format, he is supportive. "Fans should have a say on Sprint weekends and where they take place. If the fans have a better time then I’m happy," Norris remarked, while also acknowledging that the choice of venues for Sprint races is not solely up to the drivers.
The broader schedule for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend illustrates how tightly packed a Formula One event can be. On Thursday, the program includes F2 practice, qualifying, and the team bosses' press conference. Friday features the F2 Sprint, the third F1 practice session, the F2 Feature Race, and the crucial F1 qualifying that will set the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix. Saturday brings the second F2 Feature Race and the main Grand Prix itself, followed by post‑race analysis and reaction segments.
All sessions are broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, with streaming options available via NOW. The debate over Monaco’s Sprint future reflects a larger conversation within the sport about balancing tradition with innovation. Monaco’s heritage as a street circuit with limited overtaking opportunities makes it a unique case. Some argue that the added Sprint could inject much‑needed excitement, offering fans a second chance to see drivers push the limits on the narrow track.
Others, like Hamilton, feel that simply grafting the same Sprint formula onto Monaco ignores the circuit’s distinctive character and may not deliver the spectacle fans expect. As the 2027 calendar approaches, the F1 community will watch closely to see whether the Monaco Sprint becomes a permanent fixture or if the feedback from drivers, teams, and fans will prompt a different solution.
Regardless of the outcome, the discussion underscores the sport’s ongoing effort to keep the racing experience fresh while respecting the iconic venues that have defined Formula One for decades.