Formula 1: Hamilton rejects Monaco sprint race planned for 2027
The seven-time world champion believes a short race will not fix the lack of overtaking on the urban circuit. Norris and Verstappen have also expressed their reservations.
Lewis Hamilton challenged the addition of a sprint race to the Monaco Grand Prix starting in 2027 on Wednesday, September 23. The Ferrari driver believes this format will not address the main issue of the Monaco event, where overtaking remains extremely rare on the narrow streets of Monte Carlo.
The seven-time world champion, who has won in Monaco three times, acknowledges the appeal of having two qualifying sessions during the weekend. However, he argues that a 100 km race on Saturday would primarily add a potentially processional event to the Sunday race.
Lando Norris also believes that other circuits would be better suited to the format. Max Verstappen, for his part, expects to see a similar scenario to that of the Grand Prix, according to statements made in Baku and reported by Reuters.
Formula 1 plans to increase the number of sprint weekends from six to ten in 2027. Monaco, Bahrain, Australia, Japan, and Abu Dhabi will host this format for the first time. The organization claims that the total audience for sprint weekends is 12% higher than that of traditional events.
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