Bearman first thought Monaco sprint was a prank
F1 has added a sprint to the 2027 Monaco weekend, and Bearman thought it was a prank, but he can see the logic of two qualifying sessions where passing is so rare.
Oliver Bearman says he initially thought Formula 1's decision to add a sprint race at Monaco in 2027 was a joke - and Max Verstappen is hardly convinced either.
"When they told us that we would get a sprint race in that weekend," Bearman told Viaplay, "I really thought it was a joke."
"I thought it was a prank, but it turned out to be true."
The Haas driver later conceded there could be some logic in having two qualifying sessions and two starts at a circuit where overtaking is notoriously difficult.
Verstappen was much less persuaded.
"In Monaco, you normally know you can't overtake," he said. "Then it doesn't matter if you drive ten, fifteen, or a hundred laps."
"It remains the same."
When asked whether two qualifying sessions at least made the idea more appealing, Verstappen shrugged.
"Yes, you can see it that way. But for me, it doesn't matter that much."
Related: 2027 F1 Calendar: Portugal & Türkiye Return as Sprints Expand
