Lewis Hamilton and his teammate George Russell have taken opposite stances on the proposal to turn the iconic Monaco Grand Prix into a Sprint-format weekend starting in 2027. The debate emerged after Formula 1 unveiled its 2027 calendar, which includes a jump from six to ten Sprint events. Monaco, long celebrated for its narrow, twisty streets and its status as a prestige showcase, would host a Sprint weekend that adds a second qualifying session on Friday followed by a 100-kilometre Sprint race on Saturday, before the traditional Grand Prix on Sunday.
Monaco is notoriously hard to overtake on, a factor that has traditionally made its races a test of strategy and driver precision rather than pure speed. F1 officials argued that the extra qualifying session would give drivers another opportunity to demonstrate their skill on the tight Monte Carlo circuit, describing it as a chance for "world‑class skill and precision" on the historic streets. Hamilton, who is currently focused on a win at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, expressed clear skepticism.
"It makes no sense to me, but I'm not the one making the decisions," he said. He acknowledged that an additional qualifying session could be appealing, yet he argued that Monaco deserves a format that stands apart from the rest of the calendar. "We've already got Sprints, which have added something fresh to the sport, but Monaco needs its own unique twist.
It's a beautiful location, a stunning circuit, but the race itself can feel a bit dull. I don't think a Sprint race is the answer," Hamilton explained, suggesting that the sport should look for a more inventive solution that respects the venue's heritage while injecting excitement. Russell, on the other hand, welcomed the change.
Speaking at the FIA press conference in Baku, he highlighted the fatigue that can set in during a standard race weekend and praised the Sprint format for breaking up the monotony. "I think it's good because we've had Sprints for a while now, and a normal weekend can feel long‑winded.
The excitement from a qualifying session, the adrenaline, that’s what we all love," Russell said. He admitted that the main race might not be the most thrilling, but argued that a more dynamic Friday would compensate. "Sprint qualifying is far more exciting than a regular FP2 session, so overall it makes sense," he concluded.
Max Verstappen, who has previously been outspoken against an over‑reliance on Sprint weekends, has softened his tone in recent years. In 2023 he warned that adding too many Sprints could shorten his career, but now he says his feelings are clear to F1 chief Stefano Domenicali. "Maybe Monaco wanted a Sprint, I don’t know. For me, I don’t really care where the Sprints are.
I’ll race and try to do my best. I have no emotional attachment to winning a Sprint or not. My focus has always been on the Grand Prix itself," Verstappen remarked, emphasizing his long‑standing passion for the main event.
Sergio Perez of Cadillac revealed that he first learned about the Monaco Sprint plan through the drivers' WhatsApp group, describing the news as "a bit busy". He suggested that the change could add some variability to the weekend, noting that recent years have seen Monaco essentially reduced to a Saturday affair. "If we can mix things up a little, it could make the weekend more interesting. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing how it plays out," Perez said.
McLaren’s Lando Norris, the reigning world champion, voiced a fan‑centric perspective. He believes that spectators should have a say in where Sprints are held.
"If the fans have a better time, then I’m happy. Some races could be better suited for an exciting Sprint, but that decision isn’t ours to make," Norris explained, underscoring the importance of audience engagement.
The broader context of the 2027 calendar shift reflects F1’s ongoing experiment with race formats. The Sprint concept, introduced in 2021, was designed to create a shorter, more action‑packed race that could serve as a qualifying showdown and a points‑scoring opportunity. While some drivers and fans enjoy the added spectacle, others worry that the traditional Grand Prix weekend loses its distinct rhythm.
Monaco, with its heritage dating back to 1929, has always been a showcase of driver finesse rather than outright speed. The city‑state’s streets are lined with historic buildings, yachts, and a glamorous crowd, making the Grand Prix a cultural event as much as a sporting one.
Over the years, the race has produced legendary moments—Ayrton Senna’s masterful drives in the early 1990s, Michael Schumacher’s daring overtakes, and more recently, the dramatic finishes involving Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. These memories contribute to the argument that Monaco should retain a format that highlights driver skill without diluting its uniqueness. Supporters of the Sprint argue that the additional qualifying session could reduce the pressure on the single, high‑stakes qualifying run that currently decides the grid.
By giving drivers two chances to set a fast lap, the format could produce more varied starting positions and potentially reduce the impact of a single mistake. Moreover, the Sprint race itself awards points to the top finishers, providing an incentive for drivers to push harder on Saturday. Critics, however, contend that the Sprint could undermine the strategic depth that defines Monaco.
Pit‑stop timing, tyre management, and the ability to navigate traffic are crucial in a race where overtaking is limited. Adding a shorter race might encourage a more aggressive approach that could lead to higher attrition rates, potentially diminishing the spectacle of a well‑executed, strategic Grand Prix. From a commercial standpoint, the Sprint format offers broadcasters and sponsors additional live content, which can translate into higher revenue. The extra session also gives fans more on‑track action, potentially boosting ticket sales and viewership.
Yet, the question remains whether this commercial gain justifies altering a race that many consider the crown jewel of the F1 calendar. As the 2026 season progresses, the discussion will continue to evolve. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, with its own blend of high‑speed straights and tight city‑center sections, provides a testing ground for how drivers adapt to varying formats. Both Hamilton and Russell will soon have the chance to demonstrate their points on track, while fans and stakeholders watch closely to see whether the Monaco Sprint will become a permanent fixture or a fleeting experiment.
In summary, the split among F1 drivers reflects a broader debate about the balance between tradition and innovation. Hamilton urges a fresh, distinctive approach for Monaco, while Russell sees the Sprint as a logical extension of an already successful experiment. Verstappen, Perez, and Norris each add nuance, highlighting fan interest, commercial considerations, and personal preferences.
The ultimate decision will shape how one of motorsport's most storied events is experienced in the years to come, and whether the added excitement of a Sprint can coexist with the timeless allure of the Grand Prix itself.