Formula 1 Set for Expanded Sprint Race Programme in 2027 Season
Formula 1 has formally announced its 2027 World Championship calendar, which will feature a significant increase in sprint races, rising from six to 10 for the upcoming season. The expanded schedule will also see the return of races in Portugal and Turkey, which were previously used as placeholder events during the pandemic.
The 2027 season is planned to comprise a record-equalling 24 race weekends, with pre-season testing scheduled for Bahrain from 24-27 February. The championship is due to commence in Bahrain on 12-14 March and conclude in Abu Dhabi on 10-12 December, with both events incorporating the sprint format.
Expanded Sprint Race Programme
For the first time, five new venues — Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Monaco, and Abu Dhabi — will host sprint events, according to the BBC. These will join existing sprint locations: Canada, Britain, Italy, Brazil, and Qatar. Sprint events involve a shorter race on Saturday and an additional qualifying session on Friday, aiming to offer competitive action across all three days of a race meeting. F1 president and chief executive officer Stefano Domenicali stated that the expansion aims to give fans “even more intensity, drama, and the wheel-to-wheel action that make our sport so special.”
Sprint races have proven popular with organisers due to their ability to increase ticket sales. Silverstone, for instance, reported its highest-ever attendance for the British Grand Prix in a year that included a sprint event, attracting 64,000 more fans over four days compared to the previous non-sprint year. Sky Sports noted that global television audiences are 12 per cent higher on sprint weekends compared to non-sprint weekends, indicating increased fan engagement.
Monaco Sprint and Other Calendar Highlights
The inclusion of Monaco as a sprint venue has attracted particular attention, given the historic street circuit’s reputation for making overtaking almost impossible. However, F1 highlights that the format will provide two qualifying sessions around the demanding track, which is renowned as a season highlight. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem described the 2027 calendar as a “strong reflection of the global appeal and continued growth of our sport,” combining “tradition, innovation and fan engagement.”
The British Grand Prix, a key event for UK motorsport enthusiasts, is scheduled for 2-4 July. The return of Portugal and Turkey to the calendar marks their first appearance since their roles as pandemic stand-in venues.
Middle East Races Face Ongoing Uncertainty
Despite the formal announcement, the scheduled opening races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia for March 2027 remain subject to ongoing developments in the Middle East. Similarly, the conclusion of the 2026 season, which is due to feature races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, is also under review. Formula 1 is actively developing contingency plans for both the end of the 2026 season and the start of the 2027 championship should the conflict continue, according to a report by Sky Sports.
