F1 to hold 10 sprint races in 2027 with Monaco debut

Formula 1 will stage 10 sprint races in the 2027 World Championship, almost doubling the previous maximum of six. BBC Sport

It is the biggest change to the weekend format since sprints were introduced. A sprint — a short Saturday race ahead of the main Sunday grand prix — gives drivers and teams a second competitive start and extra points to chase.

Five circuits will hold a sprint for the first time in 2027. Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Monaco and Abu Dhabi all join the list.

Monaco stands out. The street circuit is the shortest lap of the year and famous for processional Sundays. A sprint adds a second start and a second chance for position to change.

The other five sprint weekends go to familiar hosts. Canada, Britain, Italy, Brazil and Qatar will all run sprints again in 2027.

The season itself will begin in Bahrain on 12-14 March 2027, with Saudi Arabia following on 19-21 March. Pre-season testing, when the new cars run together for the first time, is scheduled for Bahrain on 24-27 February.

The British Grand Prix at Silverstone is set for 2-4 July. That weekend will also carry sprint status.

The wider calendar is growing too. The 2027 championship will feature 24 rounds, up from 23 rounds expected in 2026, according to earlier reporting. Reuters

Portugal and Turkey will return to the championship in 2027. Portugal will race at Portimao in 2027 and 2028, while the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort will drop off the calendar. Reuters

For fans, this means more Saturdays that matter. Ten weekends will now have two starts, two finishes and two sets of results to shape the title maths.