F1 confirms 24-race 2027 calendar with record 10 Sprints

The F1 2027 calendar is officially here, bringing a 24-race schedule with a record 10 Sprint events — but the season's Middle Eastern bookends carry significant question marks.

Bahrain will host the opener on March 14, reclaiming the season-start role Albert Park held for the previous two years. Australia moves to Round 3 on April 4 and will host its first-ever Sprint. However, both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia appear with asterisks, with the region's situation described as uncertain.

Why it matters:

Four Middle Eastern rounds — Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi — are listed but far from assured. The 2026 season has already been disrupted, with Bahrain's race relocated to Sepang in Malaysia and the Saudi Arabian GP cancelled outright. A European contingency plan for 2027 could shrink the season to 22 races.

The details:

• New venues: Portugal returns at Portimao (June 20), and Turkey rejoins the calendar for the first time since 2021 (October 3).
• Sprint expansion: Ten Sprint rounds, up from previous seasons. New hosts: Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Monaco, and Abu Dhabi. Returning: Canada, Britain, Italy, Sao Paulo, and Qatar.
• Notable absences: The Dutch GP is off the calendar after declining a new deal. Barcelona loses its Spanish GP spot for 2027 but is expected back in 2028 under a rotation agreement with Belgium — and is tipped as a contingency venue.
• Season structure: Pre-season testing runs in Bahrain from February 24-27, with the season finale in Abu Dhabi on December 12.

What's next:

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali called the calendar "an incredible stage for another unforgettable season," while FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem highlighted its blend of "tradition, innovation, and fan engagement." All parties are working toward Qatar and Abu Dhabi closing the season as planned, but the paddock is braced for a possible 22-race campaign.