Formula 1 has unveiled its 2027 calendar, maintaining the championship at 24 rounds while significantly expanding the Sprint racing programme from six events to 10, with the season commencing in Bahrain.
The announcement marks the fourth consecutive year that F1 will operate a 24-race schedule. Portugal's Portimao circuit and Turkey's Istanbul Park make their returns to the championship after previous absences, strengthening the global reach of the sport.
The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort has been removed from the schedule, while Barcelona-Catalunya and Spa-Francorchamps have entered into a rotational arrangement. Under this new deal, Barcelona will host races in even-numbered years beginning in 2028, while Spa will stage the Belgian Grand Prix in odd-numbered years from 2027 onwards.
F1 had postponed its calendar announcement due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which created uncertainty surrounding the conclusion of the current season with Qatar and Abu Dhabi still scheduled to take place. According to Reuters, the Middle East remained a factor in calendar planning because of lingering uncertainty tied to regional conflict.
Bahrain will host a four-day pre-season test running from February 24-27, followed by the season-opening race on March 12-14, which will be designated as a Sprint weekend. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix follows a week later.
Australia returns as the third round in early April and will also feature Sprint racing, as will the subsequent race in Japan before China concludes a triple-header sequence.
Miami retains its traditional slot in the first weekend of May, with Sprint rounds scheduled for Canada and, notably, Monaco for the first time. F1 has emphasised that fans will
enjoy two thrilling qualifying sessionsaround the streets of Monte Carlo, reflecting the revised weekend format for the principality.
According to GPBlog reporting, the Monaco Sprint weekend will feature a single Friday practice session, Sprint Shootout, sprint race and separate qualifying, representing a departure from the traditional format.
The returning Portuguese Grand Prix takes place in mid-June, followed by a Sprint weekend at the British Grand Prix on July 2-4, with Austria scheduled immediately after Silverstone.
Back-to-back weekends in Belgium and Hungary will lead into the summer break, with Monza hosting a Sprint round in early September marking the first event following the four-week shutdown.
The Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid follows a week later, with Azerbaijan, Turkey and Singapore forming a triple-header before the traditional Americas sequence in Austin, Mexico and Brazil, with Brazil designated as a Sprint weekend.
Las Vegas will host the only Saturday race of the season, though this corresponds to Sunday morning in the United Kingdom. Two Sprint weekends in Qatar and Abu Dhabi on December 10-12 will conclude the championship.
Expansion reflects growing appeal
F1 president Stefano Domenicali commented on the expanded calendar, stating:
The 2027 calendar brings together some of the most iconic circuits and vibrant cities in the world, creating an incredible stage for another unforgettable season of Formula 1. We are thrilled to welcome Portugal and Turkey to the championship and to expand Sprint racing to 10 events, giving our fans even more intensity, drama, and the wheel-to-wheel action that make our sport so special.
Domenicali continued:
Formula 1 continues to go from strength-to-strength, attracting new audiences around the globe. Week after week, the world's greatest drivers will battle on some of the most challenging tracks in motorsport, supported by F1's outstanding teams, world-class manufacturers, and global partners. Together, they create a spectacle unlike anything else in sport. As we continue this remarkable journey of growth, I want to thank our fans around the world as their passion drives everything we do.
The sprint expansion had been under discussion for several months prior to the official announcement. According to Reuters, Domenicali confirmed in August that the 2027 season would feature more sprint races than the current six, though the calendar had not yet been published at that point.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem added:
The 2027 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar is a strong reflection of the global appeal and continued growth of our sport. With 24 Grands Prix across five continents, the return of Portugal and Turkey, and the opportunity for an expanded Sprint programme, the calendar combines tradition, innovation, and fan engagement while maintaining the highest sporting standards.
Approval and implementation
The full 2027 calendar required formal approval from the FIA World Motor Sport Council, with the official announcement expected to follow this process. Prior reporting indicated that the calendar was anticipated to receive FIA approval in autumn 2026, with publication likely in October or November 2026.
The sprint expansion to 10 events represents a significant shift in F1's racing format. Earlier projections had suggested the total could reach either nine or 10 events, with the final figure now confirmed at 10 following the calendar's release.
