F1 unveils 2027 calendar: 24 races, 10 sprints, Portugal and Turkey return

F1 has unveiled its 24-race 2027 calendar, expanding sprint weekends from six to ten and opening the season in Bahrain on 14 March before concluding in Abu Dhabi on 12 December. Portugal and Turkey both return to the schedule, while Monaco will host a sprint race for the first time despite its notoriously tight street circuit.

Why it matters:

The 2027 calendar reflects F1's continued push to commercialize the sprint format. With 10 sprint events, the series is betting on data showing sprint weekends draw 12% higher total viewership than non-sprint weekends. Monaco's inclusion is particularly notable: F1 plans to lean into the circuit's qualifying spectacle with two separate qualifying sessions on Friday and Saturday, even though overtaking remains almost impossible.

The details:

• Season structure: Bahrain and Saudi Arabia form the opening double-header, with Australia as round three in April. The European season begins in Monaco on 6 June.
• Returns: Portugal's Algarve circuit rejoins the calendar on 20 June for the first time since 2021. Turkey returns on 3 October as part of a triple-header with Baku and Singapore.
• Sprint expansion: Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Monaco, and Abu Dhabi join the sprint roster. Canada, Britain, Italy, Brazil, and Qatar keep or regain the format.
• Standalone Vegas: Las Vegas becomes a standalone race on 20 November, separating it from the Americas triple-header.
• Pre-season testing: A single four-day test in Bahrain runs from 24-27 February.

The big picture:

The 2027 schedule strengthens F1's global footprint across five continents while reintroducing popular venues. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali called it "an incredible stage for another unforgettable season," while FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem highlighted the balance of tradition and innovation.

What's next:

The calendar's release comes with uncertainty over the end of the 2026 season. F1 maintains Qatar and Abu Dhabi will go ahead as scheduled, but Motorsport.com understands Imola is being prepared as a potential season finale venue should the Middle Eastern races be canceled due to the ongoing conflict. F2 has already added an extra race to its Baku round to bolster its season end, an early sign of contingency planning.