Full Breakdown
2027 Formula 1 Calendar Expands Sprint Races to Record Ten Events
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Sprint Schedule Reaches New High
The 2027 FIA Formula 1 World Championship will feature 24 Grand Prix weekends, with ten sprint races—a rise from six last season. New sprint venues are Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Monaco and Abu Dhabí; Canada, Britain, Italy, Brazil and Qatar retain the format. The season opens at the Sakhir circuit on 14 March and concludes at Yas Marina on 12 December.
Background & Context
Sprint weekends, introduced in 2021, replace one practice session with a shorter Saturday race and an extra qualifying session on Friday. Data show sprint weekends attract 12 % higher total viewership and three-times more interest in qualifying than free practice. The format has also boosted ticket sales, with Silverstone reporting a 64 000-fan increase when it hosted a sprint.
The calendar’s expansion comes amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The 2026 Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were cancelled and the Bahrain race was temporarily moved to Malaysia.
Data & Statistics
- 24 Grand Prix events across 22 countries.
- 10 sprint weekends (record high).
- New sprint locations: Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Monaco, Abu Dhabí.
- Returning sprint venues: Canada (Montreal), Britain (Silverstone), Italy (Monza), Brazil (São Paulo), Qatar (Lusail).
- June 20 – Portugal Grand Prix at Portimão (first since 2021).
- October 3 – Turkey Grand Prix at Istanbul (first since 2011).
- September 26 – Azerbaijan Grand Prix (scheduled).
- July 4 – British Grand Prix weekend (2-4 July).
Official Statements & Responses
The organization acknowledged uncertainty surrounding the Gulf races, noting that contingency options—including the possibility of using Imola as a season-ending venue—are under review.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the Bahrain Grand Prix status. The Guardian reports the race has been moved to Malaysia in October, while Reuters and the FIA’s official release list Bahrain as the season opener on 14 March. Similarly, Reuters confirmed the cancellation of the 2026 Saudi Arabian round, yet the 2027 calendar lists Saudi Arabia as the second round on 21 March. No definitive contingency plan has been published, leaving the opening schedule unresolved.
On-the-Ground Reactions
Fans expressed concern that a Monaco sprint could reduce overtaking opportunities and increase crash risk, potentially jeopardising the main Grand Prix qualifying session.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are thrilled to welcome Portugal and Turkey to the championship and to expand sprint racing to 10 events, giving our fans even more intensity, drama, and the wheel-to-wheel action that make our sport so special.” — Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA president
- “The 2027 calendar brings together some of the most iconic circuits and vibrant cities in the world, creating an incredible stage for another unforgettable season of Formula 1,” — Stefano Domenicali, chief executive
What’s Next
Pre-season testing is scheduled in Bahrain from 24 February to 27 February. The FIA and F1 will monitor the Middle East situation and announce any adjustments to the opening rounds before the season begins. Contingency discussions for the Qatar and Abu Dhabí finales continue, with Imola identified as a backup venue should security concerns persist.