Lewis Hamilton and his teammate 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 resurfaced after Formula 1 unveiled its 2027 calendar, which will see the number of Sprint events rise from six to ten.
Among the new Sprint venues is the iconic Circuit de Monaco, where the plan calls for an additional qualifying session on Friday followed by a 100‑kilometre Sprint race on Saturday, before the traditional Sunday Grand Prix. Monaco has long been renowned for its tight, winding streets and the notorious difficulty drivers face when trying to overtake. The governing body argued that a second qualifying session would give the competitors another platform to demonstrate "world‑class skill and precision on the narrow streets of Monte Carlo". While some see this as an exciting twist, Hamilton expressed clear 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 contend for victory. Hamilton did acknowledge a potential upside, noting that an extra qualifying session could be "quite cool". Yet he maintained that Monaco deserves a format that is distinct from the standard Sprint model used elsewhere. "We've already added Sprints, which have injected fresh energy into the sport, but Monaco is a beautiful place, an incredible circuit, and the race itself can feel dull.
I think we need something different, not just another Sprint race," he argued. In contrast, Russell, who also drives for Mercedes, voiced strong support for the Sprint concept during the FIA press conference in Baku. "I think it's good because we've had Sprints for a while, and the regular weekends can feel long‑winded. We all want to fight," he said.
Russell highlighted the thrill that qualifying brings, describing the excitement of a Sprint‑Qualifying session as "way more exciting than FP2" and suggesting that a lively Friday could compensate for a less spectacular Sunday race. The split in opinion mirrors broader discussions within the paddock. Max Verstappen, the reigning champion, has historically criticised the proliferation of Sprint events, warning in 2023 that adding too many could shorten his own career. Lately, however, Verstappen has softened his tone, indicating to F1 chief Stefano Domenicali that he is indifferent about where Sprints are placed.
"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 on the Grand Prix itself," he explained. Sergio Pérez of Red Bull added a lighter note, recalling that he learned about the Monaco Sprint news through the drivers' WhatsApp group and describing the situation as "a bit busy".
He suggested that making the Monaco weekend more variable could be beneficial, noting that recent years have reduced the event to essentially a Saturday affair. "It could mix things up a little more, and I think it will be an interesting weekend. I'm definitely looking forward to it," Pérez said.
McLaren's Lando Norris, the 2023 world champion, emphasized the importance of fan input. "If the fans have a better time then I'm happy," he remarked, adding that the choice of venues for Sprint races could be improved.
"There are some races that would make for a more exciting Sprint, but it's not our decision to make," he concluded. Beyond the driver commentary, the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend is packed with a full schedule of support series and events. On Thursday, September 24, the day begins with F2 practice at 9:00 am, followed by F2 qualifying at 10:55 am, a team bosses' press conference at noon, and a second F2 practice session at 12:30 pm. The day wraps up with "The F1 Show" at 2:15 pm.
Friday, September 25, sees the F2 Sprint at 5:10 am, a third F2 practice session at 9:15 am, and the F2 Feature Race 1 at 11:10 am. The main F1 action kicks off with the build‑up to qualifying at 12:30 pm, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying itself at 1:00 pm, and a post‑qualifying analysis segment at 3:00 pm. Saturday, September 26, continues with the second F2 Feature Race at 7:55 am, followed by the Grand Prix build‑up at 10:30 am.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix proper starts at noon, with the chequered flag and race reaction at 2:00 pm, and concluding with "Ted's Notebook" at 3:00 pm. All sessions are also broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event.
The inclusion of a Sprint race at Monaco raises several strategic considerations. From a sporting perspective, the extra qualifying session could provide drivers with more opportunities to fine‑tune their setups on the unforgiving street circuit, where even minor adjustments can have a massive impact on lap times. The Sprint itself, covering roughly a quarter of the full race distance, could reward drivers who excel in short‑run performance, potentially reshuffling the starting grid for Sunday and adding an element of unpredictability. Conversely, critics argue that the Sprint format may dilute the prestige of the Monaco Grand Prix, a race steeped in tradition and often regarded as the crown jewel of the calendar.
The unique challenges of Monte Carlo—tight corners, limited overtaking zones, and a glamorous backdrop—have historically produced races where strategy and driver skill dominate. Adding a Sprint could compress the weekend, leaving less time for teams to recover from incidents or make significant car upgrades.
Fans, too, are divided. Some enthusiasts relish the prospect of more on‑track action, especially on a circuit that rarely offers overtaking opportunities during the main race.
Others fear that the Sprint could turn Monaco into just another stop on the Sprint tour, eroding its distinct identity. Ultimately, the decision will hinge on whether the sport can balance the desire for innovation with respect for Monaco's storied heritage.
As the 2027 season approaches, the conversation among drivers, teams, and fans will likely intensify, shaping the future of one of Formula 1's most iconic events.