F1 ramps up the sprint races as 2027 calendar is unveiled

Formula 1 has announced its 2027 calendar with an increase in Sprint events from six to 10, including the Monaco Grand Prix for the first time.

With F1 continuing to plan for its final two rounds of 2026 to be held in Qatar and Abu Dhabi as scheduled, next year’s calendar also features a return to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia as the opening two events, following a four-day pre-season test in Bahrain. The first race is also a Sprint event for the first time, as part of a run of three Sprints - in Australia and Japan - in the first four rounds.

Monaco will host a Sprint for the first time, with F1 working to the theory that the qualifying sessions are often a highlight of the Monaco weekend, so opting for an extra qualifying and the potential for two different grids. Drivers will also be forced to get up to speed more quickly on such a challenging circuit, with just one practice session.

F1 says the increase in Sprint events is due to fan feedback, citing total viewership of Sprint weekends as being 12% higher than non-Sprint weekends, and claiming Sprint Qualifying is up to three times more popular with fans than Free Practice. It also says 82% of attendees at Sprint weekends state it adds value to their ticket, and 75% of fans believe Sprint events add greater value to a season’s calendar.

None of the American races will host a Sprint, but the Canadian Grand Prix will again host the extra Saturday race.

New additions in Portugal (June 20) and Turkey (October 3) will be held at opposing ends of the European season, with the latter the middle round of a triple header also involving Baku and Singapore.

“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,” F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali said. “We are thrilled to welcome Portugal and Türkiye to the championship and to expand Sprint racing to ten events, giving our fans even more intensity, drama, and the wheel-to-wheel action that make our sport so special.

“Formula 1 continues to go from strength-to-strength, attracting new audiences around the globe. Week after week, the world's greatest drivers will battle on some of the most challenging tracks in motorsport, supported by F1’s outstanding teams, world-class manufacturers, and global partners. Together, they create a spectacle unlike anything else in sport. As we continue this remarkable journey of growth, I want to thank our fans around the world as their passion drives everything we do. 

“I want to thank The President of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and the FIA, our teams and drivers, promoters, partners, sponsors, and host cities for their continued commitment and support and we recognize the extraordinary dedication of the volunteers, marshals, and officials whose hard work makes every Grand Prix possible. We are incredibly excited to see this calendar come to life and to deliver another season packed with unforgettable moments, fierce competition, and world-class entertainment for our fans across the globe.” 

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem added: “The 2027 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar is a strong reflection of the global appeal and continued growth of our sport.

“With 24 Grands Prix across five continents, the return of Portugal and Türkiye, and the opportunity for an expanded Sprint program, the calendar combines tradition, innovation, and fan engagement while maintaining the highest sporting standards.

“I would like to thank Formula One Management, the promoters, the national sporting authorities, the FIA officials and volunteers and all our stakeholders for their collaboration and commitment. Together, we continue to strengthen the FIA Formula One World Championship and deliver an exceptional season for competitors and fans around the world.”