More racing or more concerns? Our writers give their thoughts on the 2027 F1 calendar
Formula One recently unveiled its 2027 calendar, packed with a record 10 sprints and giving rise to plenty of questions. Find out what our writers think about the sport’s roster for next year.
Two steps forward, 10 sprints back — Kavi Khandelwal
The 2027 Formula One calendar gives with one hand and takes with the other. Türkiye and Portugal returning is exciting — Istanbul Park’s Turn 8 is one of the sport’s great challenges, and Portimão delivered proper racing during its pandemic-era cameos, including Lewis Hamilton’s record-breaking 92nd win. Those are circuits that reward driver skill, not just engine power. They are what makes F1, F1.
However, you see the sprint count and the excitement curdles. 10 sprints up from six. The season begins with a sprint in Bahrain and ends with a sprint in Abu Dhabi. Sprinkle in more sprints across the calendar, with one being in Monaco of all the places, and F1 just got themselves a cash grab dressed up as innovation.
F1’s official line is that sprint weekends draw 12% higher viewership and that 82% of attendees say it adds value. However, viewership isn’t the same as racing. The fans who have stuck with this sport for years are the ones who actually care about the product, not just the packaging.
F1 is a commercial beast, which is understandable. However, when the calendar starts to feel greedy, instead of focusing on the sport itself, something essential gets lost. Two great circuits back with 10 sprints in exchange is not a fair trade.
More racing, more questions — Chloe Buckley
The 2027 F1 calendar has a lot to talk about, but the increase of six to 10 sprint weekends immediately stands out.
On the surface, I’m not against the idea of having more sprint races on the calendar. In fact, what may be an unpopular opinion, I like the idea. For example, MotoGP has shown that a sprint race can add another layer of excitement to a race weekend, giving fans more aggressive, on-track action, and providing drivers with more opportunities to battle for championship points. If the aim is to make the entire weekend feel more like an event, rather than having the focus entirely on the Sunday Grand Prix, it makes sense.
However, there is a fine line between giving fans more racing and turning the sport into a bigger commercial product.
With 10 sprint weekends, almost half of the 2027 calendar will feature the format. This risks something that was introduced as an exciting alternative feel less special, whilst also raising the question of whether F1 is prioritising the sporting spectacle or the packaging of it.
More sessions, broadcasts and opportunities for engagement are certainly more commercially attractive, but more doesn’t equal better.
A sprint race in Monaco is particularly questionable considering the difficulty to overtake at the track. Despite it being the calendar’s most iconic circuit, it is arguably the most boring race of the year, and a sprint does not change the fundamental characteristics of the track.
Away from the sprint debate, the calendar itself brings some interesting changes. Australia losing the opening-round slot to Bahrain will change the feel to the start of the season, considering the race at Sakhir is held at night rather than in daylight.
It is also a slightly later time than what Australia is held at for fans in Europe, potentially increasing the number of viewers for the inaugural race of the season.
The additions of Portugal and Türkiye will provide some more versatility in the season too, bringing back two tracks with much history in the sport, as well as bringing their own character to the championship.Ultimately, the 2027 calendar feels like a mixture of F1 trying to evolve its product whilst looking at what has worked in the past, and whether that balance is right will become clearer when the red lights go out.
Edited by Meghana Sree
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