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 the governing body unveiled the 2027 calendar, which includes a rise in Sprint events from six to ten.
Monaco, long‑known for its narrow, twisty streets and scant overtaking opportunities, would host an additional qualifying session on Friday followed by a 100‑kilometre Sprint race on Saturday, before the traditional Sunday Grand Prix. The idea of a Sprint in Monte Carlo was presented as a way to give drivers another chance to showcase their precision and skill on the famously tight circuit. Formula 1 officials argued that two qualifying sessions would add excitement and reward driver talent on the demanding streets of the Principality.
However, the drivers themselves are not unanimously convinced that this is the right direction. Hamilton, who is currently focused on a potential victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, expressed clear skepticism.
"It makes no sense to me, but I'm not the one making the decisions," the seven‑time champion said, emphasizing that while an extra qualifying session might be appealing, he believes Monaco needs a format that is distinct from the rest of the calendar. "We've already added Sprints, which have brought something fresh to the sport, but Monaco is a beautiful place, an incredible circuit, and the race as it stands is as dull as it gets. I don't think a Sprint race solves that problem," he added. Hamilton’s remarks hint at a broader concern: the traditional Monaco Grand Prix, despite its glamour, often results in processional racing because passing is extremely difficult.
He suggested that a more radical change—perhaps a completely different race structure—might be required to make the event more engaging for fans and participants alike. In contrast, Russell, Hamilton’s former teammate at Mercedes, voiced support for the Sprint concept. Speaking at the FIA press conference in Baku, the British driver highlighted how the Sprint format can inject energy into a weekend that otherwise feels lengthy. "We've had Sprints for a while now, and they break up the monotony of a normal race weekend.
The excitement of a qualifying‑type race on Friday adds a different kind of adrenaline," he explained. Russell acknowledged that the main race might not become dramatically more thrilling, but he believes the overall weekend experience improves when the Friday session is more action‑packed than a standard free‑practice run.
Other drivers have also weighed in. Max Verstappen, who previously criticised the proliferation of Sprint weekends, has softened his tone in recent years. When asked about Monaco’s Sprint, he said he is indifferent to the location of Sprint events, focusing instead on delivering his best performance regardless of format.
"I have no emotion attached to winning a Sprint race or not. My focus has always been on the Grand Prix itself," Verstappen remarked.
Sergio Pérez, the Mexican driver for Red Bull, admitted he learned about the Monaco Sprint news through the drivers' WhatsApp group and described the change as "a bit busy" but potentially beneficial. He suggested that making the Saturday race more variable could add intrigue, noting that recent years have seen Monaco essentially become a Saturday‑only event with little variation. McLaren’s Lando Norris, the reigning world champion, advocated for greater fan involvement in deciding where Sprint races are held.
"If the fans enjoy it, I’m happy. Some venues could produce more exciting Sprints than others, but that’s not our decision to make," he said, underscoring the importance of audience satisfaction in shaping the sport’s future.
The controversy reflects a larger tension within Formula 1: balancing tradition with innovation. Monaco has been a cornerstone of the championship since its inception, prized for its historic streets and the prestige of winning there. Yet the very characteristics that make it iconic—tight corners, limited passing zones, and a short race distance—also limit on‑track action. Proponents of the Sprint argue that an extra competitive session can mitigate these constraints, while opponents fear it may dilute the unique charm of the event.
Beyond driver opinions, the commercial side cannot be ignored. More Sprint races mean additional broadcasting slots, sponsorship exposure, and ticket sales, all of which are attractive to the sport’s leadership.
The decision to expand the Sprint calendar to ten events suggests that Formula 1 sees value in the format’s ability to generate excitement and revenue. As the 2026 season progresses, the conversation will likely continue, with teams, sponsors, and fans all having a stake in how Monaco evolves. Whether the Sprint will become a permanent fixture in Monte Carlo or be replaced by a more radical overhaul remains to be seen. What is clear is that the drivers’ split views highlight the complexity of modernising a race that is both a historic jewel and a logistical challenge for the sport’s future.