Max Verstappen has made clear that he is not enthusiastic about Formula 1 expanding its Sprint format to 10 weekends in 2027, saying he feels “no emotion” from winning the shorter races and remains focused above all on the Grand Prix.
Formula 1 will increase the number of Sprint weekends from six to 10 next season, meaning the format will feature at almost half of the championship’s 24 rounds. One of the most eye-catching additions is Monaco, where a Sprint will be held for the first time despite the circuit’s well-known overtaking difficulties.
Max Verstappen unconvinced by F1’s 2027 Sprint expansion
The decision forms part of Formula 1’s continued expansion of the Sprint concept, with the championship hoping that additional competitive sessions will create more action across the three days of a race weekend.
However, the format continues to divide opinion among supporters and drivers. Some traditionalist fans have never fully embraced the Sprint concept, while increasing the number to 10 events has inevitably renewed the debate over how much of the calendar should use the alternative weekend structure.
Max Verstappen has consistently been among the drivers least enthusiastic about Sprints, and his position has not changed ahead of the 2027 expansion.
“Personally, I’m not a huge fan of it, but I understand the reasons behind the decision,” Max Verstappen said in the Baku paddock. “For me, my attention is always on the Grand Prix.”
Verstappen expects familiar Monaco problem in Sprint race
Monaco has attracted particular attention because the narrow street circuit offers so few overtaking opportunities. While qualifying is traditionally one of the highlights of the Formula 1 season, the race itself can become heavily dependent on track position.
Verstappen therefore expects the new Sprint to produce a familiar pattern rather than dramatically changing the spectacle.
“At Monaco we’ll have the same scenario as in the main race: everyone gets excited for the start and then you can’t overtake. It’s pretty straightforward.”
Sergio Perez revealed in Baku that the Monaco announcement had also generated plenty of reaction in the Formula 1 drivers’ group chat, including some humorous comments, although he declined to reveal exactly what had been said.
‘No emotion’ for Verstappen when winning F1 Sprints
For Verstappen, the issue goes beyond whether Monaco is an appropriate circuit for a Sprint. The four-time world champion says the shorter Saturday race simply does not carry the same significance as a Grand Prix.
“I honestly don’t care where the Sprint races are held. I race them and obviously I try to do my best. But I feel no emotion from winning them.”
“Ever since I was a kid, I always looked forward to the Grand Prix.”
That distinction remains fundamental to Verstappen’s view of the format. Although he will approach every Sprint competitively, he does not place the same emotional value on those victories as he does on winning a full Grand Prix.
Where Formula 1 will hold its 10 Sprint races in 2027
The 2027 Sprint calendar will feature a mixture of established Sprint venues and several new additions. The 10 Sprint weekends will be held in Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Monaco, Canada, Great Britain at Silverstone, Italy at Monza, Brazil at São Paulo, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Monaco and Abu Dhabi will all stage a Sprint for the first time, while Canada, Silverstone, Monza, São Paulo and Qatar remain part of the expanded programme.
The three Middle Eastern Sprint rounds — Bahrain, Qatar and Abu Dhabi — also sit against a backdrop of continued regional uncertainty linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, which has already affected international motorsport planning in 2026.
Whatever eventually happens with the wider calendar, Verstappen’s position on the Sprint format itself is unlikely to change: he will compete, he will try to win, but for the Red Bull driver the Grand Prix remains the race that truly matters.
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