Formula 1 to expand Sprint weekends for 2027

Formula 1 is preparing to significantly increase the number of Sprint race weekends on its calendar, with an announcement expected imminently for the 2027 season. CEO Stefano Domenicali strongly indicated the expansion during the recent British Grand Prix weekend, citing the format's success in engaging fans and boosting attendance.

The Sprint format, first trialed at the 2021 British Grand Prix, has been a polarizing addition to the sport. It condenses the traditional weekend schedule, replacing two practice sessions with a competitive Sprint qualifying session on Friday and a 100-kilometer Sprint race on Saturday, ahead of the main Grand Prix qualifying and race. Domenicali argued that this structure provides meaningful track action on all three days, a point he emphasized by highlighting the record crowd at Silverstone. He noted that 150,000 fans attended on Friday, stating that not providing a competitive session on that day would be a mistake.

While Domenicali did not confirm a specific number, reports suggest the number of Sprint events could rise from the current six to as many as nine or ten for the 2027 season. With the calendar expected to maintain 24 Grands Prix, this...