Why Monaco is getting a sprint race in 2027: F1 explains
F1's 2027 calendar increases sprint weekends from six to 10, with Monaco among the new additions despite being the hardest track to overtake on. The reasoning centres on livening up qualifying rather than the races themselves.
Formula 1 announced its 2027 calendar last week, expanding the number of sprint weekends from six to 10. One of the new additions is Monaco, a choice that has puzzled some fans given it is widely regarded as the worst track on the calendar for overtaking.
It's about qualifying, not the race
The reasoning behind the decision is less about producing exciting races and more about shaking up qualifying. Monaco qualifying is already considered one of the season's highlights, so having two qualifying sessions in one weekend could offer more of that appeal, along with two different grid orders and added unpredictability.
Monaco is one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar, requiring drivers to build up to the limit gradually so they understand how the car behaves under pressure. Push too hard too soon and the risk of a crash rises sharply. Asking drivers to go straight into qualifying after just one practice session is therefore a significant challenge, likely producing more mistakes and drama.
The same logic applies to grand prix qualifying later in the weekend. Even though drivers will have already completed a sprint race by then, cars typically undergo changes before qualifying, meaning drivers will again be operating with some uncertainty.
It is acknowledged that the sprint race itself will likely be something of a procession, given how difficult overtaking is at Monaco. Nonetheless, organisers believe the format adds an extra layer of jeopardy to the weekend as a whole.
