Formula 1 to Expand Sprint Races in 2027
Stefano Domenicali announced an expansion of the sprint format while preserving exclusivity, as Flavio Briatore advocates for a radical shift with 24 sprint races annually.
Stefano Domenicali announced an expansion of the sprint format while preserving exclusivity, as Flavio Briatore advocates for a radical shift with 24 sprint races annually.
The 2027 Formula 1 season will feature an increased number of sprint races, confirmed by Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. The current six sprint weekends will be expanded, though the exact number has yet to be announced. The calendar for 2027 is set to include 24 races, following an expected 23 races in 2026, with its final shape still being worked on due to uncertainty caused by the war in Iran and its impact on races in the Middle East.
Domenicali, during the release of Liberty Media's financial results for the second quarter of 2026, emphasized that the sprint format directly boosts attendance. "Our sprint format continues to increase Friday attendance and strengthen daily attendance throughout the race weekend... we expect an increase in the number of sprint races for next year and will provide more details soon," he told analysts.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining exclusivity. "We want to do it the right way because it will also allow us to ensure that scarcity is a value. So, if we were to go commercially everywhere, then of course it's no longer a value."
On the other hand, Renault-owned Alpine team principal Flavio Briatore expressed a much more radical view in an interview with The Race. He advocates for introducing a sprint race at absolutely every Grand Prix weekend. "I would do it at every race. Because we have to give something more to the viewer. Because we do nothing for the viewer," Briatore said.
He explained that the current Friday morning is purely technical and uninteresting to the audience. "Friday morning is just technical. You do two laps, come back, and people, OK. After Saturday morning, after you have qualifying, and that's it, you have the race."
His solution is simple: every weekend with two races and two starts, with drivers constantly in competitive action. "With a sprint race, you have at least two races, two starts, and the driver is racing for something. He's not just driving for engineering. And for me, we must have a sprint race. For me, 24 races, 24 sprint races," Briatore concluded.
The announcement of expanding sprints comes at a time when Formula 1 has seen a 38% drop in revenue, to $764 million in the quarter ending June 2026. The reason is four fewer races compared to the same period last year.
Meanwhile, Domenicali revealed that the partnership with American television partner Apple has led to a 13% increase in viewership and total viewing hours, though he did not provide specific figures.
