F1 Sprint expansion confirmed for 2027 as Domenicali cites promoter demand

Formula 1 will expand its Sprint calendar beyond the current six events in 2027, with CEO Stefano Domenicali confirming the increase is "1,000 per cent" certain. The decision comes amid sustained demand from race promoters who have seen stronger Friday crowds and fuller daily attendance when the condensed format replaces the traditional three-practice weekend.

Why it matters:

The Sprint format fundamentally reshapes a race weekend by delivering competitive sessions on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. By growing these events, F1 is responding directly to venues that want more on-track action to drive ticket sales, though the series must guard against oversaturating a calendar where scarcity currently makes Sprint hosting rights a valuable commodity.

The details:

• F1 currently stages six Sprint weekends per season, featuring a single hour of free practice on Friday before Sprint qualifying and the 100km Sprint race on Saturday, ahead of traditional Grand Prix qualifying.
• On a Liberty Media earnings call, Domenicali said the format "continues to drive higher Friday attendances and stronger daily attendances," prompting promoters to push for Sprint hosting rights.
• Preserving value: Despite the push, Domenicali ruled out making every round a Sprint event. He emphasized that limiting supply keeps the format commercially attractive and ensures it remains a premium bonus rather than an expected standard.
• He first hinted at the expansion in July after drawing a record 150,000 fans on Friday at Silverstone, arguing that supporters who show up deserve competitive action rather than an empty track.

What's next:

• An exact number of 2027 Sprint rounds has yet to be finalized, but Domenicali said details will be revealed soon.
• Teams and drivers should brace for an even more intense schedule next season, with setup time reduced and competitive pressure arriving immediately at additional venues across the calendar.