Monaco to become one of a record 10 F1 sprint weekends in 2027
LONDON: Monaco’s tight and twisty streets will host a Formula One sprint for the first time next season with a record 10 race weekends, including the scheduled opener in Bahrain, featuring the format on a 24-round calendar published on Wednesday.
Monaco will host its inaugural Formula One sprint race in 2027, as part of a record 10 sprint weekends scheduled for the 24-round calendar. The championship will kick off at the Sakhir circuit in Bahrain on March 14, after a testing period from February 24-27. Saudi Arabia and Portugal are set to join the lineup for the second and sixth rounds, respectively, while Turkey will participate on October 3.
The inclusion of the Monaco sprint race has surprised some, considering the challenging layout of the principality's streets. However, Formula One has highlighted that spectators will now get two qualifying sessions, along with the main race on Sunday. Sprint races will see drivers earn eight points for a victory, increasing the maximum possible points to 33.
Sprint weekends are expected to attract 12% more viewership than non-sprint weekends, with qualifying races proving to be three times more popular with fans. The 2026 season previously featured six sprints, but Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali announced in August that the number would be increased due to the high demand from circuits.
The 2027 season will begin with three sprints at the opening rounds in Bahrain, Australia, Japan, and Monaco, followed by three more sprints at the concluding rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Three additional sprints will take place at Canada, Britain, Italy, Brazil, Qatar, Australia, Japan, and China.
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