Formula 1 drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell assessed the decision to hold the 2027 Monaco Grand Prix as a sprint weekend differently. As Sky Sports News reports, the number of sprint events on the 2027 season calendar will increase from six to 10, with Monaco hosting the format for the first time.
The programme includes an additional qualifying session on Friday and a 100-kilometre sprint race on Saturday. Formula 1 explained the choice of Monaco by saying that two qualifying sessions would give drivers an additional opportunity to demonstrate their skill and precision on the narrow streets of Monte Carlo.
Hamilton and Russell’s positions
Hamilton said he sees no sense in the decision, although he positively assessed the addition of another qualifying session. In his view, the Monaco Grand Prix needs a different format rather than the same approach used at other events. He called the track great to drive, but noted that the race itself there is too boring and that a sprint will not solve this problem.
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Russell, by contrast, supported the format. He believes that traditional race weekends can seem drawn out, while competition and the tension of qualifying are an important part of the enjoyment of racing. According to him, a less spectacular main race could be offset by a more interesting Friday, as sprint qualifying is more exciting than the second free practice session.
Reactions from other drivers
Max Verstappen said he does not care which tracks host sprints: he will take part in them and try to deliver the best result. At the same time, the Dutch driver stressed that the Grand Prix remains his main goal.
Sergio Perez believes the new format could make the Monaco weekend more unpredictable, as Saturday’s result previously largely determined how events unfolded. Reigning world champion Lando Norris said he would like fans’ opinions to be taken into account, adding that tracks where such races would be more spectacular could have been chosen for the sprint format.
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