The 2027 Formula 1® season will see a significant expansion of the Sprint format, with ten Sprint events scheduled across the calendar. This marks an increase of four Sprint weekends compared to the 2026 season, reflecting the growing popularity and value the format has brought to the sport since its introduction in 2021.
Data shows that Sprint weekends have attracted 12% higher total viewership compared to non-Sprint weekends. Sprint Qualifying sessions, in particular, have proven to be up to three times more popular with fans than traditional practice sessions. Surveys indicate that 82% of attendees at Sprint weekends feel the format adds value to their ticket, as the competitive action now spans three days instead of two. Additionally, 75% of Formula 1® fans believe Sprint events enhance the overall season calendar.
Since its debut, the number of Sprint events has steadily increased from three in 2021 and 2022, to six between 2023 and 2026, and now ten planned for 2027. New venues hosting their first Sprint include Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Monaco, and Abu Dhabi. Notably, Monaco’s Sprint weekend will feature Sprint Qualifying on Friday, a Sprint race on Saturday morning replacing the usual third practice session, and the main Qualifying session later on Saturday.
Other circuits continuing to host Sprint events include Canada, Silverstone, Monza, Brazil, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, with Abu Dhabi set to hold a Sprint for the season finale. The Sprint race itself covers roughly 100 kilometres and lasts about 30 minutes, with no mandatory pit stops required. Points are awarded to the top eight finishers, ranging from eight points for the winner down to one point for eighth place.
The Sprint Qualifying sessions are shorter than the main Qualifying, with SQ1 lasting 12 minutes, SQ2 ten minutes, and SQ3 eight minutes. The introduction of Sprint weekends also reduces the number of practice sessions from three one-hour runs to a single 60-minute session. The season’s opening phase will feature three Sprint events within the first four race weekends, providing early opportunities for teams to gain competitive advantages.
Examples of drivers who have taken part in previous Sprint events include George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, illustrating the format’s integration across the grid. The expansion of Sprint weekends reflects Formula 1®’s ongoing efforts to enhance the race weekend experience for fans and participants alike, balancing competitive racing with engaging scheduling.
With the 2027 calendar set to include these changes, the Sprint format will continue to play a prominent role in the structure of race weekends, offering additional competitive sessions and points opportunities. This development aligns with fan feedback and viewership trends observed since the format’s inception.