Domenicali Signals Major Sprint Expansion for 2027 F1 Calendar

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has signaled a significant Sprint expansion for 2027, with more Sprint weekends expected when the calendar drops soon. The move marks the next phase of an experiment born at Silverstone in 2021, evolving from a tentative trial into a core piece of F1's commercial strategy despite criticism from purists.

Why it matters:

The Sprint format has divided fans since its debut, with critics arguing it dilutes Sunday's Grand Prix while supporters credit it with giving every day of the weekend real stakes. Domenicali's push shows F1's leadership views the races as a proven success, not a temporary experiment. The stance comes as the sport posts record attendance, suggesting the format is turning Friday and Saturday into must-watch sessions.

The details:

• Speaking at Silverstone, Domenicali defended the format's trajectory, recalling early skepticism and stating that F1 has a "duty to be brave and to think out of the box."
• He cited Friday crowds of 150,000 at the British Grand Prix as validation, arguing fans expect on-track action from the moment the weekend begins.
• Under the current structure, teams get one practice session before Sprint qualifying on Friday, followed by a 100km Sprint race on Saturday and Grand Prix qualifying later that afternoon.
• While Sky Sports reported Sprint events could rise from 8 to 10, Domenicali stopped short of confirming a figure, saying only that a "bigger number" is being prepared.
• Parc fermé restrictions are lifted between the Sprint and Grand Prix qualifying, allowing teams to reset cars before Sunday's headline race.

What's next:

F1 is expected to unveil its 2027 calendar shortly, locking in the precise Sprint count. The expansion would shift the short-format race from an experiment to a permanent pillar of the weekend structure. For teams and drivers, more Sprint races mean extra points and greater pressure to perform across three competitive sessions rather than two.