Formula 1 may confirm on Wednesday (16), when the calendar for next year will be released, a historic change for the 2027 Monaco GP, as the traditional race through the streets of Monte Carlo is expected to host a Sprint race for the first time next year.
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According to GPblog, this novelty will be part of the 2027 calendar announcement. The proposal aims to increase the action on a circuit known for its difficulty in overtaking and Sunday races marked by tire conservation strategies.
The weekend format will also be changed. Friday will have only one free practice session before the Sprint qualifying, while Saturday will start with the first Sprint race in Monaco’s history, awarding points for the championship. Afterwards, the drivers will compete in the qualifying session for Sunday’s GP.
Formula 1 and the Automobile Club of Monaco intend to recover the entertainment of the event without giving up the prestige of the circuit. Concentrating competitive activities into shorter sessions may also increase pressure on drivers in areas surrounded by the barriers of Casino Square, Swimming Pool, and Rascasse.
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This change, however, divides opinions. Tradition defenders may consider the inclusion of an additional race on such a tight circuit risky, mainly due to the risk of car damage and extra work for mechanics in limited garage facilities. On the other hand, mid-field drivers may see the Sprint race as an opportunity to surprise.
The Monaco GP had already been the target of proposals to increase the action, including an experiment with additional pit stops. With two qualifying sessions and two races planned in the Sprint format, the 2027 Monaco GP weekend could represent one of the biggest changes in the recent history of the event.
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