Monaco will host a Formula 1 Sprint for the first time in its history. Formula 1 and the FIA announced the 2027 calendar on 16 September 2026, following approval by the World Motor Sport Council: 24 Grands Prix across 22 countries, and 10 Sprint events, up from six. Monaco is one of them, scheduled for 4 to 6 June 2027 (official 2027 calendar announcement).
For a circuit famous for being almost impossible to overtake on, it is the most unexpected line on the calendar. Formula 1's own framing is not about overtaking at all. It is about qualifying: the Sprint format gives the Principality two grid-setting sessions instead of one, and qualifying at Monaco is widely held to be the single most demanding lap of the season.
Which Day Is the Sprint?
Saturday. This is the detail most easily got wrong, so it is worth stating plainly. Formula 1 describes the running order as Sprint Qualifying on Friday, the Sprint on Saturday morning in place of third practice, and Qualifying for the Grand Prix later on Saturday (Formula 1 on the 2027 Sprint format). The Grand Prix stays where it has always been, on Sunday.
So Friday is not the Sprint. Friday carries the weekend's only practice session and then Sprint Qualifying. What changes for anyone planning the weekend is that competitive running now starts on Friday rather than Saturday, and there is something at stake on all three days.
- Friday 4 June:the weekend's single practice session, then Sprint Qualifying.
- Saturday 5 June: the Sprint in the morning, then Qualifying for the Grand Prix later in the day.
- Sunday 6 June: the Grand Prix.
Exact start and finish times for Monaco 2027 have not been published. The dates and the order of sessions above come from the official announcement and Formula 1's format explainer; the timetable itself usually follows much closer to the event. Treat any session time you see quoted for Monaco 2027 today as unconfirmed.
What a Sprint Actually Is
The Sprint is a short race over 100km, roughly one third of a Grand Prix distance, lasting around 30 minutes. There are no mandatory pit stops, and at that length stopping for fresh tyres is rarely worth it. Points go to the top eight finishers, eight for the winner down to one for eighth (Formula 1 on the 2027 Sprint format).
Sprint Qualifying is a compressed version of the main session: SQ1 runs for 12 minutes, SQ2 for 10 and SQ3 for eight. And practice drops from three one-hour sessions to a single 60-minute run, which at Monaco matters more than anywhere else. Rhythm and confidence between the barriers are usually built over three sessions. In 2027, drivers get one.
Why Monaco, and Why Now
Formula 1 gave the reasoning alongside the calendar: viewership of Sprint weekends runs 12% higher than non-Sprint weekends, Sprint Qualifying is up to three times more popular with fans than practice, and 82% of attendees at Sprint weekends say the format adds value to their ticket (official 2027 calendar announcement).
Monaco is not the only debutant. Bahrain, Australia, Japan and Abu Dhabi also host the format for the first time in 2027, while Montreal, Silverstone, Monza, Sao Paulo and Lusail host it again. The season both opens and closes with a Sprint.
The trade-off is honest enough to state. A Sprint at Monaco will probably settle itself on the first lap, because the circuit does not permit overtaking. What it reliably adds is a second flat-out qualifying session at the one venue where qualifying is the spectacle.
What It Changes for the Week Itself
For anyone planning Monaco 2027 around more than the race, the practical shift is Friday. On a traditional weekend Friday is two practice sessions, and the town treats it as the warm-up day. With Sprint Qualifying on Friday afternoon, the first session that genuinely counts now lands before the weekend has properly begun, and Saturday holds two competitive sessions rather than one.
Amber Lounge's own Monaco programme runs across the same three days at Port Hercules, with trackside yacht viewing, terrace hospitality and the evening events. The Monaco page sets out the 2027 packages and what each day includes.
Amber Lounge is an independent private event and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or licensed by Formula 1, the FIA or the race promoter. Circuit tickets and official trackside hospitality are sold through their own official channels, not by Amber Lounge.
Monaco 2027 Sprint Questions
Is Monaco a sprint weekend in 2027?
Yes. Formula 1 and the FIA announced on 16 September 2026 that Monaco will host a Sprint for the first time, as part of a 2027 calendar with 24 Grands Prix and 10 Sprint events. The Monaco round is scheduled for 4 to 6 June 2027.
Which day is the Monaco Sprint?
Saturday. Formula 1 states that Sprint Qualifying takes place on Friday, the Sprint runs on Saturday morning in place of third practice, and Qualifying for the Grand Prix takes place later on Saturday. The Grand Prix itself remains on Sunday. Exact session times for Monaco 2027 have not been published yet.
Do I need a race ticket to attend Amber Lounge Monaco?
No. Amber Lounge is an independent private event and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or licensed by Formula 1, the FIA or the race promoter. Circuit tickets and official trackside hospitality are sold through their own official channels, not by Amber Lounge.
Plan Monaco 2027
For the 2027 yacht, terrace and end-to-end packages at Port Hercules, see the Amber Lounge Monaco page.
Continue with the Monaco race week tickets guide, the Monaco after-party guide, or Singapore versus Monaco.