Formula 1 Expands to Record 10 Sprint Races for 2027 Season

United Kingdom, England: Formula 1 expands its Sprint programme while welcoming Portugal and Türkiye back onto the championship calendar

Formula 1 has confirmed a major expansion of its Sprint format for the 2027 World Championship, increasing the number of Sprint weekends from six to 10. The decision forms part of a 24-race calendar spanning five continents and 22 countries.

The expanded Sprint programme will introduce the shorter Saturday race at Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Monaco and Abu Dhabi for the first time. Canada, Britain, Italy, Brazil and Qatar will retain their places among the Sprint-hosting venues for 2027.

The new schedule represents the largest number of Sprint events Formula 1 has planned for a single championship. The format, introduced in 2021, provides additional competitive action across the weekend, replacing one traditional practice session with Sprint Qualifying before Saturday’s shorter race.

Formula 1 says the decision follows strong interest in the format from fans, broadcasters and event organisers. According to data released by the championship, Sprint weekends have recorded 12% higher total viewership than non-Sprint weekends since the concept was introduced.

The 2027 campaign will begin at Bahrain International Circuit from 12 to 14 March, followed one week later by the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Bahrain therefore returns to the traditional opening position after Australia began the championship in recent seasons.

Australia will move to the third round, hosting its Grand Prix from 2 to 4 April. Japan follows at Suzuka from 9 to 11 April, before China completes the early Asian sequence from 16 to 18 April.

The calendar then moves to Miami before Formula 1 heads to Canada for a Sprint weekend in Montreal. Monaco follows in early June, with the famous street circuit receiving its first Sprint event since the format was introduced.

Monaco’s inclusion is particularly notable because overtaking around the narrow Monte Carlo circuit is traditionally difficult. However, the Sprint weekend will provide an additional competitive session and two qualifying sessions, creating another opportunity for different grid positions.

Formula 1’s decision also creates a different weekend structure for teams and drivers at Monaco. The additional competitive running could place greater emphasis on setup decisions, tyre management and qualifying performance around a circuit where track position has traditionally carried significant importance.

After Monaco, Formula 1 will return to Portugal from 18 to 20 June, with the championship heading to the Algarve International Circuit in Portimão. The venue last hosted Formula 1 during the pandemic-affected 2020 and 2021 seasons.

Portugal’s return forms part of a broader European reshaping of the calendar. The British Grand Prix follows on 2 to 4 July, with Silverstone hosting a Sprint before Austria, Belgium and Hungary complete the first European stretch.

Silverstone’s Sprint is among five events where the format returns in 2027. Canada, Italy, Brazil and Qatar will also stage Sprint weekends, giving established venues another opportunity to host the additional competitive session.

Formula 1 has previously highlighted the commercial appeal of Sprint weekends for promoters. Competitive sessions take place across three days, rather than concentrating the principal racing action around Saturday and Sunday, potentially giving spectators more reasons to attend throughout the weekend.

The championship then takes its summer break before returning at Monza from 3 to 5 September. Italy’s historic circuit will host a Sprint, followed by Spain, Azerbaijan, Türkiye and Singapore as the championship moves through the next phase.

Türkiye will make its long-awaited return from 1 to 3 October at Istanbul Park. The country last hosted Formula 1 in 2020 and 2021, and a new agreement currently keeps Istanbul Park on the calendar through the 2031 season.

The Istanbul circuit is recognised for its elevation changes and challenging multi-apex Turn Eight. Its return adds another established European venue to the championship after Portugal’s reinstatement, expanding the geographical variety of the 2027 schedule.

The final part of the season begins in Austin before races in Mexico City and São Paulo. Brazil will host another Sprint at Interlagos, maintaining its place among the venues selected for the expanded format.

Formula 1 then heads to Las Vegas from 18 to 20 November before travelling to the Middle East. Qatar will stage a Sprint from 3 to 5 December, followed by Abu Dhabi’s season finale from 10 to 12 December.

Abu Dhabi will therefore become another new Sprint venue, joining Bahrain, Australia, Japan and Monaco. The Yas Marina circuit will host the championship’s final Sprint weekend, extending the format into the closing stages of the season.

The Middle Eastern races remain an important consideration for Formula 1’s scheduling plans because the 2026 season has also been affected by continuing regional instability. The championship has indicated that contingency planning remains relevant while organisers monitor circumstances surrounding scheduled events.

For 2027, however, the published calendar retains both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in their planned March positions. Formula 1 will continue preparing for the schedule while assessing developments that could affect international travel, event operations and the feasibility of racing in the region.

Pre-season testing is scheduled to take place at Bahrain International Circuit from 24 to 27 February, giving teams four days of running before the championship begins. The reduced testing programme reflects continuity in the technical regulations entering the 2027 campaign.

Formula 1 president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali welcomed both the returning venues and the expansion of Sprint racing. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem similarly described the schedule as reflecting the championship’s global reach, with races across five continents.

The 2027 calendar therefore combines established destinations with returning circuits and an expanded competitive format. Portugal and Türkiye add familiar venues to the championship, while Monaco, Bahrain, Australia, Japan and Abu Dhabi receive their first opportunity to stage Sprint races.

With 24 Grands Prix and 10 Sprint weekends, the 2027 season will provide teams and drivers with a demanding schedule featuring additional competitive sessions across the year. The championship is set to begin in Bahrain and conclude in Abu Dhabi in December.