The new Formula 1 2027 calendar is out, and sprint races are set to play an even bigger role than before. There will now be ten of the pocket-sized grands prix next year; four more than the six scheduled have this year. Formula 1 introduced the flat-out sprints in 2021, and six years later we’re set to see the most so far.

How is the 2027 calendar changing?

The new calendar was confirmed in mid-September 2026, which is a touch later than usual due to the conflict in the Middle East. As was originally planned in 2026, the 2027 season will see 24 grands prix take place across 22 countries, but there are some key differences. Portugal’s Portimão returns, Turkey comes back in October, while Zandvoort and Barcelona are off the list.

Ten sprints in 2027 are planned

There are now going to be ten sprint races in 2027, up from a planned six in 2026. It’s the biggest change we’ve seen from season-to-season for the new format, and half the sprints planned are at circuits we’ve never seen a sprint at before.

Five of the ten venues get a sprint for the first time: Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Monaco (which we’ll get to later) and Abu Dhabi. The other five we’ve seen before: Montreal, Silverstone, Monza, Sao Paulo and Qatar. Interestingly, China, Miami, and Singapore all had sprints this year but won’t next year.

How the sprint format works

Think of it like a mini-grand prix that’s contained in a Formula 1 weekend and you’re pretty much there. Sprint qualifying – also known as the sprint shootout – takes place on the Friday and sets the grid for Saturday’s sprint. Like the race, qualifying is also shorter – 22 drivers get just 12 minutes in SQ1, with the six slowest dropping out before a ten-minute SQ2 in which a further six drop out. After that, the fastest ten drivers sort things out in SQ3 – which is fast and furious at just eight minutes long.

The sprint elements replace two of the three practice sessions of a normal F1 weekend, so drivers go straight into competitive action with sprint qualifying on Friday afternoon, after a single practice session.

How the sprint points work

Championship implications

Four more sprint races means four more sets of extra points. Each sprint hands out a total of 36 points across the top eight finishers. Six sprints in 2026 means 216 of those were up for grabs, while ten sprints in 2027 pushes that number to 360 – an extra 144 points on top. Even with a relatively small eight points per win, sprint performances could become crucial in the 2027 world championship.

Entertainment implications

Whether or not the new races will actually deliver the entertainment they promise is another question mark – but we do have some experience with half of them. Interlagos and Montreal have delivered proper racing in their previous sprint outings, while Bahrain has always been one of the better overtaking circuits on the calendar – when the race goes ahead, anyway.

Silverstone, Australia and Qatar have promise too, but Monaco was the big surprise. A second qualifying session will add an additional element of jeopardy and interest, but the sprint is destined to suffer the same problem as the Grand Prix: there’s no opportunity to overtake. Without the need for pitstops during the race, it’s difficult to see the sprint turning into anything but a half-an-hour procession.

One genuine benefit of sprint races is the increased spectacle for those attending races in person. By replacing two practice sessions with higher-stakes competitive action, those attending the circuit on Friday and Saturday get more for their money.