Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have taken opposite stances on the proposal to turn the Monaco Grand Prix into a Sprint‑format weekend starting in 2027. The debate surfaced after Formula 1 unveiled its 2027 calendar, which expands the Sprint programme from six events to ten, with Monaco slated to host an additional qualifying session on Friday followed by a 100‑kilometre Sprint race on Saturday. Monaco is renowned for its narrow, winding streets that make overtaking a formidable challenge.
F1 officials have argued that the extra qualifying session offers drivers a further opportunity to demonstrate their precision and skill on the iconic Monte Carlo circuit. However, Hamilton expressed clear scepticism, saying, "It makes no sense to me but I'm not the one making the decisions, obviously." The seven‑time world champion, who is currently focused on a victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, acknowledged the appeal of an extra qualifying session but insisted that Monaco needs a format that stands apart from the rest of the calendar. "On the positive side, we get another qualifying session, which is quite cool," Hamilton noted.
"But I've always said that Monaco needs something different. I don’t think it should be the same race formula that's everywhere else.
It needs to be something unique. We already have Sprints, which have added a fresh dimension to the sport, but I think we have to come up with something else for a venue as beautiful as Monte Carlo.
The circuit is spectacular, the country is stunning, yet the race itself can feel rather dull. I just don’t see a Sprint solving that problem." In contrast, Russell, Hamilton’s former teammate at Mercedes, defended the Sprint concept during the FIA press conference in Baku.
He argued that the traditional race weekend has become overly long and that a Sprint weekend injects much‑needed excitement. "I personally think it’s good because we’ve had Sprints for quite a while, and normal race weekends feel quite long‑winded. We all want to fight," Russell said. He highlighted the thrill of qualifying, adding, "The enjoyment comes from the competition and that adrenaline you get from a qualifying session.
Of course the race itself might not be the most exciting, but that will be compensated by a more exciting Friday. Sprint Qualifying is way more exciting than FP2, so overall it makes sense." Other drivers have weighed in as well. Max Verstappen, who has previously criticised the proliferation of Sprint events, softened his tone this season. He told reporters that he is indifferent to where Sprints are placed on the calendar, emphasizing that his focus remains on the Grand Prix itself.
"Maybe Monaco wanted it, I don’t know. For me, I honestly don’t care where the Sprints are. I participate, and of course you try to do the best you can. I have no emotion attached to winning a Sprint race or not winning it.
My focus has always been on the Grand Prix," Verstappen explained. Sergio Pérez of Cadillac discovered the Monaco Sprint news through the drivers’ WhatsApp group and described the announcement as "a bit busy." He suggested that making Monaco more variable could be beneficial, noting that recent years have seen the race reduced essentially to a Saturday event. "I think it could mix things around a little more.
It’s going to be an interesting weekend and I’m definitely looking forward to it," Pérez said. McLaren’s Lando Norris took a fan‑centric view, arguing that spectators should have a say in where Sprint weekends are held. "If the fans have a better time then I’m happy," Norris remarked. He also hinted that other venues might be better suited for Sprints, but acknowledged that the decision lies with the sport’s hierarchy.
The broader context of the discussion includes the 2026 season’s busy schedule, with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix serving as a triple‑header of events across F2 and F1. The weekend features multiple practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and feature races, all broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The inclusion of Sprints aims to keep the action flowing throughout the weekend, offering fans more on‑track moments and teams additional opportunities to score points. In summary, the Monaco Sprint proposal has sparked a lively debate among the sport’s elite.
Hamilton questions the necessity of a Sprint on a circuit that already struggles with overtaking, urging for a more innovative solution to enhance the spectacle. Russell, meanwhile, sees the Sprint as a valuable addition that can shorten the perceived length of a race weekend and heighten Friday excitement. Other drivers, from Verstappen to Pérez and Norris, provide nuanced perspectives that range from indifference to cautious optimism. As Formula 1 finalises its 2027 calendar, the ultimate decision will reveal whether Monaco will retain its classic format or embrace the Sprint experiment, potentially reshaping one of the sport’s most storied events.