F1 drivers split over whether Monaco Sprint 'makes sense'

Monaco will host a Sprint weekend for the first time next year after the 2027 calendar was announced last week; watch Thursday's practice sessions for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at 9.30am and 1pm, live on Sky Sports F1

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell disagree on the Monaco Grand Prix becoming a Sprint weekend in 2027.

Last week, Formula 1 announced its 2027 calendar and revealed there will be an increase in the number of Sprint events from six to 10, with Monaco holding the alternative format that sees an extra qualifying session on Friday before a 100km Sprint on Saturday.

Monaco is one of the most difficult tracks to overtake at, but F1 highlighted the prospect of two qualifying sessions as an additional chance 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 hoping to fight for the win 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."

However, Hamilton's former Mercedes team-mate Russell gave a contrary view when speaking earlier in the FIA press conference in Baku.

F1 title race: Why Azerbaijan-Malaysia-Singapore triple header will shape what rest of 2026 championship chase will look like

Lewis Hamilton: Ferrari driver sets sights on George Russell in F1 championship amid defence of team's season

Isack Hadjar confirmed as Max Verstappen's Red Bull team-mate for 2027 Formula 1 season ahead of Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur sets goal for Azerbaijan GP as Nico Rosberg pinpoints team's 'Achilles' heel'

Azerbaijan GP 2026: Saturday race, dates, schedule, Baku weather, UK start time and how to watch or stream F1 live on Sky Sports

Isack Hadjar: Red Bull driver to return to action at Azerbaijan GP after missing three races with wrist injury