F1 Sprint Expansion Confirmed for 2027 as Domenicali Promises 'Bigger Number'

Formula 1 will expand its Sprint schedule for the 2027 season, with CEO Stefano Domenicali confirming that a larger number of Sprint events will be announced alongside the upcoming calendar. The move builds on the format's evolution from an initial three-race trial to the current six-event schedule, reflecting the sport's determination to deliver meaningful competition throughout every day of a Grand Prix weekend.

Why it matters:

The expansion marks F1's doubling down on a format that initially faced strong resistance from traditionalists within the paddock. By guaranteeing competitive sessions on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the sport aims to maximize fan engagement and commercial value rather than leaving spectators without on-track action. Domenicali pointed to Silverstone's Friday attendance of 150,000 as clear evidence that fans will show up when meaningful racing is on offer, making the business case for additional Sprint rounds increasingly difficult to ignore.

The details:

• A standard Sprint weekend replaces the traditional three-practice format with one hour of free practice on Friday, followed by Sprint Qualifying. Saturday features the 100km Sprint race before Grand Prix qualifying, with the main event remaining on Sunday.
• Reports suggest the 2027 season could feature nine or 10 Sprint rounds, a significant jump from the current six events.
• The full 2027 calendar is expected to hold 24 races, with Istanbul Park returning on a five-year deal and Portimao set to host the Portuguese Grand Prix, while Zandvoort and Spa-Francorchamps are expected to drop off the schedule.
• Domenicali defended the format's growth by noting that F1 has a "duty to be brave and to think out of the box," arguing that early skepticism has given way to proven results in fan engagement.

What's next:

The formal announcement is expected to arrive when F1 unveils its complete 2027 calendar in the coming months. Teams will need to continue adapting to Sprint weekends that offer minimal preparation time, with just one hour of free practice before cars enter parc fermé conditions for Sprint Qualifying. If the rumored nine or 10 Sprint events materialize, nearly half the season would follow the condensed format, fundamentally altering how teams approach car setup, tire strategy, and weekend logistics.