Formula 1 and the FIA have officially announced the 2027 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar, featuring 24 Grands Prix across 22 countries and five continents. Alongside the full 24-race schedule, Formula 1 has increased the number of sprint event weekends from six to 10.
Formula 1 Announces 24-Race 2027 Season and Expands Sprints to 10 Rounds
According to Formula 1 data, total viewership for sprint weekends is 12% higher than for non-sprint weekends, and sprint qualifying is up to three times more popular with fans than free practice. Furthermore, 82% of attendees at sprint weekends report that the format adds value to their ticket, while 75% of fans believe sprint events enhance the overall season.
Pre-season testing is scheduled to take place in Bahrain from February 24–27. The season is intended to start in Bahrain on March 14, followed a week later by Saudi Arabia. However, both events remain subject to uncertainty due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. While Formula 1 views Bahrain as the default season opener, Australia has hosted the opening grand prix in recent years due to the timing of Ramadan.
Controversial Addition of Monaco to the 10-Sprint Lineup
The expansion to 10 sprint races introduces the format to several circuits for the first time, including Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Monaco, and Abu Dhabi. Sprints will also return to Canada, Britain, Italy, Brazil, and Qatar.
The inclusion of Monaco on the sprint schedule has drawn attention because overtaking is notoriously difficult on the narrow street circuit of Monte Carlo. Critics point out that once the cars complete the first lap, the finishing order of the sprint race can become largely locked in barring accidents.
However, Formula 1 leadership is promoting the decision by highlighting that a sprint weekend introduces a second qualifying session. Qualifying around the demanding Monte Carlo track is widely regarded as a season highlight, and the format will provide fans with two separate qualifying sessions and potentially two different grid orders.
Global Schedule Additions, European Returns, and Late Season Finish
The 2027 calendar re-introduces races in Portugal and Turkey, which return for the first time since serving as pandemic-era placeholder events. These rounds replace races in Barcelona and Zandvoort, with Portugal scheduled for June 20 and Turkey for October 3.
The European and global rounds move through Australia, Japan, China, Miami, and Canada before heading into the summer and autumn months. The British Grand Prix will take place on July 4, retaining its traditional slot on the first weekend of July to avoid direct clashes with the climax of Wimbledon and the men’s Open golf championship.
The closing phase of the schedule features races in Austin, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, and Las Vegas. Unlike previous years, the Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 20 will be held as a standalone event rather than being paired with a Middle East race in the final block.
The season concludes with back-to-back sprint weekends in Qatar on December 5 and Abu Dhabi on December 12. Pushing the finale back by shifting Qatar and Abu Dhabi creates the latest finish to an F1 season since 2021. Wrapping up the year with sprint points available at the final two rounds could carry a significant impact on the championship title race.
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