Formula One management plans to expand the number of sprint races to nine or ten weekends for the 2027 season, up from the current six scheduled this year.
F1 Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali revealed the upcoming calendar adjustments during the British Grand Prix weekend, noting that official details will be released very soon as reported by Sky Sports.
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The expansion could push the total number of races in 2027 to 34 sessions across an anticipated 24 Grand Prix weekends, though changes to venues like Zandvoort, Barcelona, Turkey, and Portugal are expected.
Growing Popularity and Criticism
Domenicali emphasized the need for bold thinking, citing the 150,000 spectators at Silverstone on Friday as proof that sprint races attract fans.
The sport's ownership highlights growing television viewership and ticket sales as primary drivers for the format change, despite ongoing criticism regarding increased garage workload.
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Drivers remain divided on the format expansion, with Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen expressing strong opposition to the Saturday entertainment format during an interview with F1TV.
Verstappen sarcastically praised sprint races before clarifying his stance: "No, no, no! I really do NOT like them!"
Despite his personal stance, the Dutch driver acknowledged his continued competitive approach toward securing championship points during sprint weekends.
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Amid future planning, F1 organizers are also addressing current calendar challenges for the remaining 2026 races in Abu Dhabi and Qatar due to geopolitical instability in the Middle East, with alternative venues like Las Vegas, Portimão, or Barcelona being considered.
