F1 confirms 10 Sprint events in 2027, with new formats for Bahrain and Monaco

Formula 1 has announced that the 2027 season will feature 10 Sprint events, expanding the format by four compared to 2026. According to the league, the Sprint concept—introduced in 2021—has grown in popularity, with Sprint weekend total viewership reportedly 12% higher than non-Sprint weekends. Formula 1 also says Sprint Qualifying is up to three times more popular with fans than practice, and that 82% of attendees at Sprint weekends say it adds value to their ticket, with competitive sessions spread across three days rather than two.

The 2027 calendar includes Sprints for Bahrain, Australia, Japan, and Monaco for the first time. Formula 1 says each Sprint weekend will include Sprint Qualifying on Friday, with the session replacing the second practice on non-Sprint weekends, and then the main Grand Prix Qualifying taking place later on Saturday—after the Sprint itself on Saturday morning. The Sprint format remains a short race, running over 100km (about one-third of a typical Grand Prix distance) and lasting roughly 30 minutes, with no mandatory pit stops like the Grand Prix.

In addition to the new venues, Canada will host a Sprint for the second consecutive year. Formula 1 also notes Silverstone will stage its third Sprint, Monza will host its second, and Brazil will return for its sixth edition at Interlagos. Qatar is also scheduled for a Sprint at Lusail, and the league adds that Abu Dhabi will host one as well, creating back-to-back Sprint weekends to close the season. At the front of the calendar, the season opener in Bahrain is joined by Australia and Japan as Sprint events within the first four race weekends.

Formula 1 states Sprint points will be awarded to the top eight finishers, from eight for the winner down to one for P8, while the introduction of the Sprint reduces running to a single 60-minute practice session. The league also outlines Sprint Qualifying’s timing as SQ1 at 12 minutes, SQ2 at 10 minutes, and SQ3 at eight minutes.

Written by Vancouver Television Sports Desk