Lewis Hamilton and George Russell are at odds over Monaco adopting a Sprint weekend in 2027.
Formula 1 revealed its 2027 calendar last week, expanding Sprint events from six to ten. Monaco will host the alternative format, featuring an opportunity for “the drivers to show their world‑class skill and precision on the narrow streets of Monte Carlo”.
“It makes no sense to me but I’m not making the decisions obviously,” said Hamilton, who is aiming to contend at this week’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix. “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. 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.”
Russell offered a contrasting opinion 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,” he said. “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. 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.”
Verstappen: I don’t care where the Sprints are
Max Verstappen has previously criticised Sprint weekends, warning in 2023 that he “won’t be around for too long” if the calendar became too crowded. He has been quieter lately, saying he has communicated his stance to F1 chief Stefano Domenicali. “Maybe Monaco wanted it [the Sprint], 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.”
Cadillac driver Sergio Perez said he first learned of the Monaco change through the drivers’ WhatsApp group and found it “a bit busy”. “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,” he added. “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.”
Reigning champion Lando Norris believes fans should have a voice on Sprint weekends and their locations. “If the fans have a better time then I’m happy,” the McLaren driver said. “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 <a s Azerbaijan GP live schedule
Thursday September 24
6.55 am: F2 Practice
9 am: Azerbaijan GP Practice One (session starts at 9.30 am)
10.55 am: F2 Qualifying
12 pm: Team Bosses’ Press Conference
12.30 pm: Azerbaijan GP Practice Two (session starts at 1 pm)
2.15 pm: The F1 Show
Friday September 25
5.10 am: F2 Sprint
9.15 am: Azerbaijan GP Practice Three (session starts at 9.30 am)
11.10 am: F2 Feature Race 1
12.30 pm: Azerbaijan GP Qualifying build‑up
1 pm: AZERBAIJAN GP QUALIFYING
3 pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
Saturday September 26
7.55 am: F2 Feature Race 2
10.30 am: Grand Prix Sunday: Azerbaijan GP build‑up
12 pm: THE AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX
2 pm: Chequered Flag: Azerbaijan GP reaction
3 pm: Ted’s Notebook
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Racing on a Saturday! The 2026 Formula 1 season continues live on Sky Sports F1 this week as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix kicks off a triple‑header of races, with the Baku race taking place on Saturday at midday.
