Monaco Sprint Race Among 10 Planned For 2027 Formula 1 Calendar

Monaco will feature a sprint race during next year's Formula 1 calendar, as organisers expand the number to 10 for 2027.

The revised schedule adds sprint weekends to Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Monaco and Abu Dhabi for the first time, alongside returning sprints in Canada, Britain, Italy, Brazil and Qatar.

Sprint weekends feature a shorter Saturday race and an additional qualifying session on Friday, offering three days of competitive action and a chance for drivers to upset the odds.

Organisers say the format boosts ticket sales, with Silverstone attributing its record attendance this year partly to hosting a sprint.

Monaco Sprint Race Raises Eyebrows

The inclusion of Monaco is the most controversial change.

The tight street circuit is notoriously difficult for overtaking, but Formula 1 argues that two qualifying sessions will add excitement and create varied grid orders.

Critics note that the sprint race itself may be processional, with the finishing order likely fixed after the opening lap.

Middle East Races Still Uncertain

The 2027 season is scheduled to begin in Bahrain on 12-14 March, followed by Saudi Arabia a week later. However, both events remain in doubt due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

F1 is preparing contingency plans should racing in the region prove impossible.

A recent summit involving nations affected by the conflict urged “maximum restraint”, but F1 says it will continue monitoring the situation and adjust the calendar if required.

New Formula 1 Calendar Aims At Continued Growth

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem added that the 24‑race schedule “reflects the global appeal and continued growth of our sport”, combining tradition with innovation.

Pre‑season testing will take place in Bahrain from 24-27 February.

• 12-14 March, Bahrain
• 19-21 March, Saudi Arabia
• 2-4 April, Australia
• 9-11 April, Japan
• 16-18 April, China
• 30 April-2 May, Miami
• 21-23 May, Canada
• 4-6 June, Monaco
• 18-20 June, Portugal
• 2-4 July, Britain
• 9-11 July, Austria
• 23-25 July, Belgium
• 30 July-1 August, Hungary
• 3-5 September, Italy
• 10-12 September, Spain
• 24-26 September, Azerbaijan
• 1-3 October, Turkey
• 8-10 October, Singapore
• 22-24 October, USA (Austin)
• 29-31 October, Mexico
• 5-7 November, Brazil
• 18-20 November, Las Vegas
• 3-5 December, Qatar
• 10-12 December, Abu Dhabi

Sprint Races are highlighted in bold and Italics