F1 could introduce up to 10 Sprint races in 2027 under ambitious new plan. Why Formula 1 is preparing more Sprint races than ever before.

Formula 1 appears ready to make another significant change to its race weekend format. According to reports from Sky Sports UK, the sport is preparing to dramatically increase the number of Sprint weekends from the 2027 season, with as many as nine or even ten Sprint races expected to feature on the calendar.

If confirmed, the move would represent the biggest expansion of the Sprint format since its introduction and would mean that almost half of the 24 Grands Prix on the Formula 1 calendar would include a Saturday Sprint race alongside the traditional Grand Prix on Sunday.

The proposal underlines Formula 1’s continued commitment to making every day of a race weekend more competitive while offering fans additional on-track action and more meaningful sessions before Sunday’s main event.

Formula 1 continues to embrace the Sprint format

The Sprint race concept was introduced in 2021 as one of the most significant format changes in modern Formula 1 history.

Instead of reserving all championship points for Sunday’s Grand Prix, selected race weekends now feature a shorter Saturday race covering approximately 100 kilometers, with points awarded to the leading finishers.

The objective has always been to create more competitive racing throughout the weekend while increasing the entertainment value for spectators attending the circuit and viewers watching around the world.

The experiment began cautiously, with only three Sprint weekends scheduled during the inaugural 2021 season. Following encouraging commercial and audience feedback, Formula 1 doubled that figure to six events from 2023 onward.

The current 2026 season also features six Sprint weekends, taking place in China, Miami, Canada, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Singapore.

Up to 10 Sprint races expected in 2027

According to Sky Sports UK, Formula 1’s leadership now believes the format has proven successful enough to justify another major expansion.

Reports suggest the championship intends to increase the number of Sprint events to either nine or ten beginning in 2027. If that plan is approved, nearly one out of every two Formula 1 weekends would feature the shorter Saturday race.

Such an increase would represent a substantial evolution of the current race weekend structure and would provide fans with considerably more competitive sessions throughout the season.

While the complete 2027 calendar has not yet been officially unveiled, recent announcements have already confirmed that the Italian Grand Prix at Monza will host a Sprint race during the next three-year cycle, making the historic circuit one of the key Sprint venues moving forward.

Stefano Domenicali believes the strategy is working

Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali has consistently defended the Sprint concept despite the criticism it received when it was first introduced.

Speaking during the British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone, Domenicali explained that Formula 1 deliberately chose to challenge tradition by creating a more action-packed weekend format.

He suggested that many fans were initially skeptical about the idea, but argued that the strong attendance figures and enthusiastic crowds seen on Fridays at Sprint events demonstrate that the concept has successfully increased engagement throughout the entire race weekend.

Domenicali also indicated that Formula 1 was already preparing to announce a higher number of Sprint races in the near future, with confirmation expected alongside the publication of a future championship calendar.

His comments now appear to align closely with the latest reports suggesting that a major expansion is imminent.

Sprint races have steadily become a bigger part of Formula 1

The evolution of the Sprint format highlights how rapidly it has become integrated into Formula 1’s modern identity.

What began as a small-scale trial involving only three events has gradually expanded into one of the championship’s defining weekend formats.

Supporters argue that Sprint weekends provide additional excitement, meaningful Friday sessions and greater value for spectators attending circuits. Critics, however, continue to question whether increasing the number of Sprint races risks reducing the uniqueness of traditional Grand Prix weekends.

Regardless of the differing opinions, Formula 1’s commercial leadership appears convinced that the format has delivered the desired results and is now prepared to invest even further in its future.

Formula 1 Sprint races by season