Formula One Plans More Sprint Races for 2027

KUALA LUMPUR, AUGUST 2026 — Formula One is preparing to expand the number of sprint races on its 2027 calendar beyond the six currently staged each season, according to chief executive Stefano Domenicali.

Domenicali said the championship intends to increase the number of sprint weekends next year, although Formula One does not plan to introduce the format at every race. Further details are expected to be announced at a later date.

The Formula One chief said the sprint format has helped generate stronger attendance on Fridays and improved daily crowd figures throughout race weekends.

However, he stressed that Formula One wants to preserve the format’s scarcity value rather than make sprint races a standard feature at every Grand Prix.

Formula One currently holds six sprint events per season.

Sprint races are shorter than the main Grand Prix and are staged on Saturday mornings, with the winner receiving eight championship points.

Sprint qualifying replaces the usual second practice session on Friday, while qualifying for the main Grand Prix takes place later on Saturday. The primary race remains scheduled for Sunday.

The 2027 Formula One calendar has yet to be published.

Domenicali said the championship is expected to return to a 24-round schedule next year after potentially holding 23 races in 2026.

Ongoing uncertainty linked to the conflict involving Iran continues to affect planning for races in the Middle East.

The proposed sprint expansion follows growing debate within the sport over whether Formula One should offer more competitive action during each race weekend.

Alpine executive adviser Flavio Briatore has argued that sprint races should be held at all 24 rounds, saying spectators deserve more meaningful track action.

Briatore believes the traditional Friday schedule remains too focused on technical preparation, with drivers often completing limited running before returning to the garage.

He said sprint weekends provide spectators with two race starts and give drivers an additional competitive event rather than sessions focused mainly on engineering work.

Despite those calls, Domenicali indicated Formula One would take a more measured approach.

The championship is seeking to balance additional entertainment with the commercial and sporting value created by keeping sprint weekends relatively limited.

Sprint races were introduced to provide more competitive action across the three-day weekend and increase interest before Sunday’s main Grand Prix.

The format has undergone several adjustments since its introduction, including changes to qualifying schedules and the separation of sprint results from the starting grid for the main race.

The planned increase could provide more circuits with opportunities to host sprint weekends while giving broadcasters, promoters and fans additional competitive sessions.

Formula One’s announcement came as parent company Liberty Media reported its financial results for the second quarter of 2026.

Formula One revenue fell 38% to US$764 million during the three months ending in June, largely because the period featured four fewer races compared with the corresponding quarter.

Domenicali also said Formula One’s United States broadcast partnership with Apple had contributed to a 13% increase in viewership and total hours watched, although he did not disclose detailed audience figures.

The combination of stronger viewing figures and improved attendance during sprint weekends is expected to support Formula One’s decision to expand the format.

However, the final number and locations of the 2027 sprint races have not yet been confirmed.

Formula One is expected to provide further details alongside the publication of the 2027 race calendar and future commercial arrangements.