F1 drivers split over Monaco becoming Sprint weekend in 2027

Formula 1's decision to make Monaco a Sprint weekend from 2027 has split the grid, with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell taking opposite sides of the debate.

Why it matters:

Monaco is one of the hardest tracks on the calendar to overtake. Sprint events grow from six to 10 in 2027, adding a second qualifying session on Friday and a 100km Saturday race. F1 says it showcases drivers' precision on the narrow streets — but not everyone agrees.

The details:

• Lewis Hamilton: "It makes no sense to me... But Monaco needs something different. The race is as dull as it gets. A Sprint race is not the answer."
• George Russell: "I personally think it's good. Normal race weekends feel quite long-winded. Sprint Qualifying is way more exciting than FP2, so on the whole it makes sense."
• Max Verstappen: "I honestly don't care where the Sprints are. I have no emotion attached to winning a Sprint race."
• Sergio Perez: Monaco needs more variability, and the Sprint can mix things around.
• Lando Norris: "If the fans have a better time then I'm happy. They could have picked better races to do it."

What's next:

With Sprints expanding to 10 events, Monaco becomes a test case for whether the format can inject life into a race that often produces processional Sundays.