Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes teammate George Russell have taken opposite stances on the proposal to turn the Monaco Grand Prix into a Sprint weekend starting in 2027. The controversy emerged after Formula 1 unveiled its 2027 calendar, which will see the number of Sprint events rise from six to ten. One of the new Sprint venues will be the legendary Circuit de Monaco, where the format would add an extra qualifying session on Friday followed by a 100‑kilometre Sprint race on Saturday, before the traditional Sunday Grand Prix. Monaco is already notorious for being a circuit where overtaking is extremely difficult, thanks to its narrow, winding streets and tight corners.
The governing body argued that the additional qualifying session would give drivers another chance to demonstrate their precision and skill on the historic Monte Carlo streets. Yet the sentiment among the drivers is far from unanimous. Hamilton was blunt in his assessment.
"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 a second qualifying session could be interesting, but he believes Monaco deserves 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 needs something different. It’s a beautiful location, an incredible circuit, yet the race can feel dull. A Sprint race isn’t the answer," he added.
Russell, on the other hand, defended the Sprint concept. Speaking at the FIA press conference in Baku, he said, "I personally think it’s good because we’ve had Sprints for a while, and normal race weekends feel long‑winded.
We all want to fight. The excitement of a qualifying session and a shorter, more intense race on Friday adds adrenaline. Sprint qualifying is far more thrilling than a standard free‑practice session, so overall it makes sense." The split mirrors earlier comments from other drivers. Max Verstappen, who has been a vocal critic of Sprint weekends in the past, softened his tone this year, stating that he is indifferent to the location of Sprints as long as he can compete.
"I have no emotion attached to winning a Sprint or not. My focus has always been on the Grand Prix itself," he explained, adding that he has already communicated his views to F1 chief Stefano Domenicali.
Sergio Perez, the Mexican driver for Red Bull, revealed that he first learned about the Monaco Sprint plan through the drivers’ WhatsApp group and described the news as "a bit busy." He suggested that the change could make the weekend more variable, noting that in recent years the Monaco race has essentially been a Saturday event with little variation. "I think it will mix things up a little and make the weekend more interesting. I’m definitely looking forward to it," Perez said.
Even the younger champion, Lando Norris, believes the fans should have a say in where Sprints are held. "If the fans have a better time then I’m happy," the McLaren driver said, adding that some races might be better suited for a Sprint than others, but ultimately the decision rests with the sport’s hierarchy. Beyond the driver commentary, the broader implications of adding a Sprint to Monaco are worth considering.
The Sprint format, introduced in 2021, was designed to increase on‑track action and provide an additional revenue stream for the sport. It also awards points to the top three finishers, which can influence championship battles. However, critics argue that the short, high‑speed nature of a Sprint may not suit a circuit where overtaking is already limited, potentially leading to processional races and increased safety concerns.
Supporters counter that the extra qualifying session could give drivers more opportunities to find the perfect line through the tight corners, and the Sprint itself could serve as a showcase for strategic ingenuity, as teams must balance tyre usage and fuel loads over a much shorter distance. Moreover, a Saturday Sprint could attract a different audience demographic, offering a compact, high‑intensity spectacle that fits modern viewing habits. The decision also touches on the commercial side of Formula 1.
Monaco is a marquee event that draws significant global attention and sponsorship money. Introducing a Sprint could boost ticket sales and broadcast ratings, but it also risks alienating purists who cherish the traditional format of a single, marathon Grand Prix on the streets of Monte Carlo.
As the 2027 calendar approaches, the debate will likely continue in the paddock, the media, and among fans. Whether the Sprint will enhance Monaco’s allure or dilute its historic charm remains to be seen. What is clear is that the sport is at a crossroads, balancing innovation with heritage, and the opinions of its top drivers, from Hamilton’s cautious skepticism to Russell’s enthusiastic endorsement, illustrate the complexity of the choice.