F1 expands sprint calendar to ten races for 2027 season

Formula 1 will feature ten sprint races in the 2027 World Championship, up from six last year. The increase was announced when the 2027 calendar was released. Sprint events consist of a short Saturday race and a separate Friday qualifying session. Five circuits will host a sprint for the first time: Bahrain International Circuit, Albert Park in Australia, Suzuka in Japan, the streets of Monaco, and Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi. The remaining five sprints will take place at already familiar venues: Canada, Britain, Italy, Brazil and Qatar. Monaco's inclusion marks the first sprint ever held at the iconic Monte‑Carlo street circuit. Spectators have welcomed the shorter, more unpredictable format, calling it a boost to weekend excitement. The expanded schedule aims to give fans more weekend action and to test new race formats across diverse tracks. Organisers said the move reflects growing interest in sprint formats among viewers and teams. The 2027 season will therefore see a total of ten sprint weekends spread across three continents. Teams will need to adapt their strategies for the extra qualifying session and the shorter race distance. The change also adds logistical challenges, as circuits must prepare for an additional race day. F1 officials confirmed the calendar will be finalised later in the year.