Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes teammate George Russell have taken opposite stances on the proposal to turn the iconic Monaco Grand Prix into a Sprint-format weekend beginning in 2027. The debate surfaced after Formula 1 unveiled its 2027 calendar, which includes a jump from six to ten Sprint events. Under the new plan, Monaco would host an extra qualifying session on Friday followed by a 100‑kilometre Sprint race on Saturday, before the traditional Sunday Grand Prix.
Monaco has long been recognised as one of the sport's most challenging circuits when it comes to overtaking, its tight, narrow streets leaving drivers with few opportunities to pass. F1 officials, however, argue that the additional qualifying session would give the world’s best drivers another chance to demonstrate their precision and skill on the Monte Carlo streets. They contend that a second qualifying session could add excitement and give fans more on‑track action. Hamilton, who is currently focused on a win at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, expressed clear scepticism.
"It makes no sense to me, but I'm not the one making the decisions," he said. While he admitted that an extra qualifying session might be "quite cool," he stressed that Monaco deserves a format that is distinct from the rest of the calendar.
"We've already got Sprints, which have injected fresh energy into the sport, but Monaco needs something different. It's a beautiful venue, an incredible circuit, yet the race can feel dull.
A Sprint race isn’t the answer," Hamilton added. Russell, on the other hand, defended the Sprint concept. Speaking at the FIA press conference in Baku, he noted that the traditional race weekend can feel "long‑winded" and that drivers and fans alike crave more competitive moments. "The thrill of a Formula 1 car comes from the competition and the adrenaline of qualifying," he explained.
"Sprint qualifying is far more exciting than a regular free‑practice session, so overall it makes sense to have a more action‑packed Friday." The split in opinion mirrors a broader conversation within the paddock. Max Verstappen, a vocal critic of Sprint weekends in 2023, has softened his tone in recent years, saying he has communicated his views to F1 chief Stefano Domenicali.
He admitted that the location of Sprint events is largely irrelevant to him: "I don’t care where the Sprints are. I race, I try to do my best, and my focus has always been on the Grand Prix itself." Sergio Pérez of Red Bull, who learned about the Monaco Sprint news through the drivers' WhatsApp group, described the change as "a bit busy" but welcomed the added variety.
"Monaco has been a Saturday event for a few years now. Mixing things up could make the weekend more interesting, and I’m looking forward to it," he said. Even the younger drivers have weighed in.
Lando Norris, the reigning world champion, believes fans should have a say in where Sprint races are held. "If the fans enjoy it, I’m happy.
Some races would make better Sprint events than others, but that decision isn’t ours to make," he commented. Beyond the individual opinions, the practical implications of a Monaco Sprint are worth examining. The traditional Monaco Grand Prix is a 78‑lap, 260‑kilometre showcase that often decides championships due to its high‑stakes, low‑margin nature. Adding a Sprint could potentially dilute the prestige of the Sunday race by offering points earlier in the weekend.
Conversely, it could provide drivers who struggle with qualifying on the street circuit a second chance to earn points, thereby keeping the championship battle tighter. From a commercial perspective, a Sprint weekend could attract additional broadcasting revenue and sponsor exposure, as the extra session creates more live content. The F1 calendar already shows a trend toward more compact, media‑friendly formats, and Monaco, with its glamorous setting, could benefit from the heightened attention.
Critics argue, however, that the unique character of Monaco lies in its singular, marathon‑like challenge. The race’s difficulty in overtaking and its reliance on qualifying performance are part of its mystique. Introducing a Sprint could shift the focus toward short‑run speed rather than the strategic endurance that defines the Grand Prix. Logistically, the Monaco street circuit would need to accommodate an extra day of racing activity.
The city already closes its streets for several days each year; a Sprint would extend that disruption. Local authorities and residents may have mixed feelings about a longer closure, though the economic boost from additional spectators and media coverage could offset concerns.
In summary, the conversation around a Monaco Sprint highlights the tension between tradition and innovation in Formula 1. Hamilton sees the Sprint as an unnecessary overlay on a classic event, while Russell welcomes the added excitement and competition it could bring. Other drivers, from Verstappen to Norris, offer nuanced perspectives that balance personal preference with fan experience and commercial considerations. As the 2027 calendar approaches, the sport will have to decide whether Monaco’s storied streets should host a Sprint race or retain their singular, unaltered Grand Prix format.