Formula 1 and the FIA have officially announced the 2027 World Championship calendar, featuring a 24-race schedule that kicks off in Sakhir.
The season will commence with pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit from 24 to 27 February, followed by the opening Grand Prix on 12-14 March. The Middle Eastern venue reclaims its traditional status as the opening round after date adjustments in previous campaigns, forming a back-to-back double-header with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah.
Record Expansion of Sprint Weekend Format
A major feature of the 2027 schedule is a substantial expansion of the Sprint format, increasing from six to a record 10 events. Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Monaco, and Abu Dhabi will host Sprint weekends for the first time in their history. The inclusion of Monaco introduces a unique dynamic, offering fans two competitive qualifying sessions around the Monte Carlo street circuit. Sprint races will also return to Montreal, Silverstone, Monza, São Paulo, and Lusail, heightening championship jeopardy across the campaign.
European Returnees and Calendar Shakes-Up
The 2027 itinerary reintroduces two popular historic circuits while bidding farewell to another European venue. The Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimão makes its comeback on 18-20 June, while the Turkish Grand Prix at Istanbul Park returns to the schedule from 1-3 October between the Azerbaijan and Singapore rounds. Both venues last hosted races in 2021. Conversely, the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort has been dropped from the 2027 schedule entirely as Formula 1 continues to rotate European hosting slots.
Strategic Logistics and Regional Flow
The updated schedule includes revised regional grouping aimed at improving logistical efficiency and mitigating team fatigue. The calendar features three distinct triple-headers: Australia-Japan-China in April, Azerbaijan-Turkey-Singapore in autumn, and United States-Mexico-Brazil late in the year. Crucially, Formula 1 has dismantled the exhausting end-of-season triple-header that previously paired Las Vegas directly with Qatar and Abu Dhabi, introducing a mandatory one-week break after the Nevada night race before concluding in Yas Marina on 12 December.
Leadership Praise for Global Growth
Formula 1 executives praised the newly approved schedule for balancing global expansion with iconic sporting heritage. F1 President and Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali stated that the 2027 calendar brings together iconic circuits and vibrant cities to create an incredible stage for the sport. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem added that the 24-race itinerary reflects the continued growth and global appeal of Formula 1 while supporting long-term environmental and operational sustainability goals.