Formula 1 will significantly expand its sprint programme in 2027, increasing the number of sprint weekends from six to 10 as part of a 24-race World Championship calendar.
Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Monaco and Abu Dhabi will stage sprint races for the first time, while Canada, Britain, Italy, Brazil and Qatar complete the expanded list.
Six had previously been the highest number of sprint events held during a single F1 season. The 2027 format will therefore represent the biggest expansion of the concept since sprint racing was introduced.
Bahrain Set for Season Opener Amid Regional Uncertainty
The championship is scheduled to begin in Bahrain from 12-14 March, with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix following one week later.
However, both events remain subject to uncertainty because of the continuing conflict in the Middle East. Bahrain is normally F1’s preferred location for the opening race, although Australia has started the championship in the past two seasons because Ramadan affected scheduling in the Gulf.
Formula 1 is already preparing alternative plans should the geopolitical situation make racing in the region impossible.
Similar uncertainty surrounds the closing stages of the 2026 season, which are currently scheduled to take place in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. F1 intends to complete those races as planned but is examining contingency options because of the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The same approach is being taken toward the beginning of the 2027 championship, with alternative opening arrangements likely to be considered later this year if conditions do not improve.
Portugal and Turkey Return to F1 Calendar
The 2027 season will also feature the return of Portugal and Turkey.
Both circuits last appeared on the Formula 1 calendar during the Covid-19 pandemic, when they were used as replacement venues while the championship adapted to travel restrictions and cancelled events.
The British Grand Prix at Silverstone is scheduled for 2-4 July.
Pre-season testing will take place in Bahrain from 24-27 February, giving teams their final opportunity to prepare before the opening race.
Monaco Added to Expanded Sprint Programme
One of the most notable additions to the sprint schedule is Monaco.
Overtaking is notoriously difficult on the narrow street circuit, meaning the sprint itself could offer limited position changes once the opening lap is completed. Incidents, strategy variation or mistakes could still alter the order, but conventional overtaking opportunities are expected to remain scarce.
Formula 1 nevertheless sees another advantage in giving Monaco sprint status. The format creates two separate qualifying sessions across the weekend, increasing the importance of one of the championship’s most demanding circuits for drivers.
Qualifying has traditionally been one of the standout elements of the Monaco Grand Prix because track position is so important. Two sessions could also produce different starting orders for the sprint and main race.
Sprint Weekends Continue to Attract Promoters
Sprint events generally cost race organisers more to host, but demand remains strong because the format provides competitive sessions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Promoters believe that can make an entire race weekend more attractive to spectators rather than concentrating most of the competitive action on the final two days.
Silverstone has pointed to its sprint weekend this season as an important factor behind record attendance at the British Grand Prix. The circuit welcomed 64,000 more spectators across the four-day event compared with the previous year, when no sprint was held.
Formula 1 management views the increase to 10 sprints as another step toward offering more meaningful track action throughout race weekends.
F1 president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali welcomed the return of Portugal and Turkey while highlighting the expanded sprint programme as part of the championship’s effort to deliver more competitive racing for spectators.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem also presented the 2027 schedule as a combination of established venues, returning circuits and new sporting formats, with 24 grands prix spread across five continents.