The Formula 1 paddock remains divided over the decision to introduce a Sprint weekend at Monaco in 2027, with drivers offering starkly contrasting views on whether the format suits one of motorsport's most iconic venues.
Last week, Formula 1 unveiled its 2027 calendar and confirmed an expansion in Sprint events from six to 10 across the season. Monaco will join this expanded schedule, featuring the alternative format that includes an additional qualifying session on Friday before a 100-kilometre Sprint race on Saturday. According to the FIA's official announcement, Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Monaco, and Abu Dhabi will host Sprint weekends for the first time in 2027.
The Principality is widely recognised as one of the most challenging circuits on the calendar for overtaking, yet Formula 1 has promoted the prospect of two qualifying sessions as providing drivers with an additional platform to demonstrate their technical mastery on the narrow Monte Carlo streets.
Lewis Hamilton expressed scepticism about the decision, speaking ahead of this week's Azerbaijan Grand Prix where he aims to challenge for victory.
It makes no sense to me but I'm not making the decisions obviously. On the positive, we get another qualifying session, which is quite cool. But I've always said that Monaco needs something different. I don't think it should be the same race formula that's everywhere else. It needs to be something different.
The Mercedes driver acknowledged the merits of an extra qualifying opportunity but remained unconvinced that a Sprint format represents the right solution for Monaco's unique character.
We've already included the Sprints, which I think have really brought something new to the sport. But I think we've got to come up with something new for somewhere like that because it's a beautiful place, such a beautiful country, an incredible circuit to drive, but the race is as dull as it gets. I don't know what that is, but a Sprint race is not the answer for it I would say.
George Russell, Hamilton's former Mercedes team-mate, offered a markedly different perspective during the FIA press conference in Baku.
I personally think it's good because we've had Sprints for quite a while, normal race weekends feel quite long-winded and we all want to fight. As much fun as driving a Formula 1 car around the track is, the enjoyment comes from the competition and that adrenaline you get from a qualifying session.
Russell contended that while the traditional Monaco Grand Prix may not deliver the most thrilling racing spectacle, the introduction of a Sprint weekend would compensate through enhanced Friday action.
Of course the race isn't going to be the most exciting one, but that will be compensated by having a more exciting Friday. Sprint Qualifying is way more exciting than FP2, so I think on the whole it makes sense.
Max Verstappen, who has previously voiced strong reservations about Sprint expansion, adopted a more measured stance on the Monaco decision. The Red Bull driver stated he had communicated his position directly to Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali.
Maybe Monaco wanted it, I don't know. For me, I honestly don't care where the Sprints are. I participate, and of course you try to do the best you can. I have no emotion attached to winning a Sprint race or not winning it. My focus is always from, when I was a kid, you look forward to the Grand Prix.
Verstappen's comments represent a notable shift from his 2023 stance, when he suggested he would not remain in the sport if the calendar became saturated with Sprint events.
Sergio Perez of Cadillac revealed he learned about the Monaco Sprint announcement through the drivers' WhatsApp group, describing the news as somewhat overwhelming.
Monaco, I think you just make it a little bit more variable, to be honest. I think it was just a Saturday event in the last few years. Whatever happened on Saturday was basically done. I think right now it can mix things around a little bit more. I think it's going to be an interesting weekend. I'm definitely looking forward to it.
Lando Norris, the reigning world champion, suggested that fan preference should carry greater weight in decisions about Sprint placement across the calendar.
If the fans have a better time then I'm happy. I think they could have picked better races to do it. I think there's some races that could have been picked that you could actually have an exciting Sprint race. But it's not our decision to make.
The expanded Sprint schedule represents a significant shift in Formula 1's competitive structure. According to Reuters, the 2027 season will feature 24 rounds with a record 10 Sprint weekends, with Bahrain set as the season opener. The FIA's calendar announcement frames this expansion as part of a broader strategic direction for the sport.
The FIA says Monaco's Sprint weekend will give fans two thrilling qualifying sessions on the narrow streets of Monte Carlo, emphasising the technical challenge and spectacle that multiple qualifying runs could provide.
When Monaco's Sprint weekend takes place
Monaco is scheduled for 4–6 June 2027 on the published calendar, marking the first time the Principality will host a Sprint format. The final race of the 2027 season is set for Abu Dhabi on 12 December 2027, which is also listed as a Sprint weekend, completing a year that will see the expanded format tested across five new venues alongside the five circuits that already hosted Sprints in previous seasons.
