What's new with the F1 Sprint in 2027?

The 2027 Formula 1 calendar is out and, among other things, you will have noticed there are more Sprints than ever before. Here's what you need to know...

How many more Sprints are we talking and why are we increasing?

The Sprint has been a hit and so due to the increasing popularity of the format, there'll be four more than in 2026, bringing the overall total to 10.

Since the Sprint concept was introduced in 2021, data shows that total viewership of Sprint weekends is 12% higher than non-Sprint weekends.

Sprint Qualifying is up to three times more popular with fans than practice (Sprint Qualifying replaces second practice on a Friday afternoon on non-Sprint weekends).

Meanwhile, 82% of attendees at Sprint weekends say it adds value to their ticket with competitive sessions taking place on three days, rather than two on a traditional weekend.

Data also shows 75% of F1 fans believe Sprint events add greater value to a season’s calendar.

As a result, the number of Sprints has risen from three each year in 2021 and 2022 to six each year between 2023 and 2026 with 10 planned for next season.

Gotcha. Will any venues get a Sprint for the first time?

Yes – Bahrain, which hosts the season opener, Australia, Japan, Monaco plus the season finale in Abu Dhabi will all get their first taste of the Sprint format.

Sorry, did you say Monaco is getting a Sprint?

Yep, you read that right. One of the most exhilarating sessions to watch in Formula 1 is Qualifying in Monaco as drivers navigate the tight and twisty streets of Monte Carlo.

Now, fans will get to enjoy not one but two of those spectacular sessions in the Principality.

Sprint Qualifying will take place on Friday ahead of the Sprint on Saturday morning (which replaces FP3) and then Qualifying for the main Grand Prix takes place later on Saturday.

Okay, so you've mentioned five of the Sprints – what about the other five?

Canada will host a Sprint for the second successive year, with Mercedes duo George Russell and Kimi Antonelli having delivered a sensational battle for the lead there earlier this year.

Silverstone gets its third Sprint after hosting one in 2021 and earlier this year, while Monza gets its second Sprint, six years after the Temple of Speed hosted its first.

Brazil extends its record of having hosted the most Sprints as it returns for the sixth edition at the iconic Interlagos track in Sao Paulo.

Qatar is back with a Sprint too, with Lusail getting a fourth one in five years.

With Abu Dhabi also hosting one, the season will end with back-to-back Sprints, leaving more points available for the final two Grands Prix weekends of the year.

At the other end of the calendar, with Bahrain, Australia and Japan hosting their first Sprints, it sees the season start with three Sprints in the first four race weekends – and that will reward teams who are fast and competitive straight out of the box.

Great stuff. Just remind me about the format of a Sprint?

Of course! As the name suggests, it's a short race. It runs over 100km, which is around one-third of a typical Grand Prix distance. It lasts roughly 30 minutes.

There are no mandatory pit stops like the Grand Prix and, while they are not banned, given the Sprint is so short it's not worth boxing for fresh rubber.

Points are awarded for the top eight positions with eight for the winner down to one for P8.

The introduction of the Sprint means the number of practice sessions are reduced from three one-hour sessions to just one 60-minute run.

Sprint Qualifying is a shortened version of the main Qualifying session, with SQ1 running for 12 minutes, SQ2 for 10 minutes and SQ3 for just eight minutes.

All in all, it means more competitive sessions across a season.