Lewis Hamilton urges Formula 1 to rethink Monaco Grand Prix format after Sprint race success
Lewis Hamilton has called on Formula 1 to consider revising the format of certain iconic races, particularly the Monaco Grand Prix, even as he continues to praise the excitement brought by Sprint races. The seven-time world champion highlighted the need for the sport to innovate beyond the current race formats to keep fans engaged and extract more spectacle from historically prestigious events.
The Chinese Grand Prix hosted the first F1 Sprint race of the 2026 season on Saturday, where George Russell claimed victory for Mercedes ahead of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. This year marks the fourth consecutive season with six Sprint events on the calendar, up from the original three introduced in 2021. Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder for Formula 1, has been actively exploring ways to expand the Sprint format, with discussions hinting at the possibility of up to 12 Sprint races by 2027, potentially covering nearly half of the full season.
Hamilton advocates for reimagining iconic circuits
During the post-qualifying press conference in Shanghai, the top drivers were asked to reflect on the Sprint format and its ongoing evolution. Lewis Hamilton acknowledged Formula 1 management for addressing the repetitive nature of standard race weekends but stressed that further innovation is needed.
He noted that while the Sprint initially served as a qualifying session with points awarded to top finishers, its role has shifted over the years. In 2023, the Sprint became a standalone 100km event, with a dedicated “Sprint Shootout” on Saturday morning setting the grid. By 2024, Sprint qualifying was moved to Friday afternoon, replacing the FP2 session to better structure the weekend schedule.
Despite these adjustments, Lewis Hamilton argued that the Sprint format has not fully matured. He recalled his only Ferrari victory to date in the shortened Shanghai race last year and highlighted that he now holds seven Sprint podium finishes. The Briton expressed that while he personally enjoys Sprint weekends for the variation they bring, he believes Formula 1 should explore additional race formats rather than simply increasing the number of Sprint events.
Specifically, Lewis Hamilton suggested that Monaco, despite its status as the crown jewel of the calendar, suffers from predictability. He emphasized that the Principality is visually stunning and historically significant, yet the traditional format fails to deliver the excitement the venue deserves. Hamilton believes introducing an alternative race structure at Monaco could maximize the spectacle and better showcase the unique challenges of street racing.
Potential for a third race format
Lewis Hamilton hinted that Formula 1 could experiment with a “third type” of race throughout the season, possibly involving extended qualifying or a different competitive structure. He encouraged stakeholders to brainstorm creative solutions rather than relying solely on expanding existing Sprint events. His comments underline a broader trend among drivers advocating for innovation in race weekend formats to maintain fan engagement and unpredictability in the championship.
George Russell weighs in on Sprint races
George Russell shared optimism about the evolving Sprint format following an action-packed race in Shanghai. He highlighted that modern F1 cars, regardless of high or low tyre degradation, now produce more engaging and less processional racing. Russell indicated that doubling the number of Sprint races could strike the right balance for fans and teams alike, providing additional excitement without overloading the calendar.
Russell also previewed upcoming events, noting that Miami and Canada will follow the Chinese Grand Prix, suggesting that the Sprint format continues to play a key role in shaping the season’s competitive narrative. He observed that while not every weekend should feature a Sprint, the format’s expansion could enhance the overall spectacle, offering fans more intense wheel-to-wheel racing and strategic intrigue.
Looking ahead for Formula 1
With Lewis Hamilton advocating for creative alternatives at Monaco and George Russell supporting a measured expansion of Sprint races, Formula 1 appears poised for an era of experimentation and innovation. As Liberty Media evaluates the calendar, fans can expect continued debate on how to balance tradition with modern entertainment, ensuring that historic races like Monaco continue to thrill while new formats like the Sprint inject fresh energy into the championship.
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