Major Overhaul Looming: F1 Set to Double Sprint Race Schedule Starting 2027

Formula 1 is exploring a significant expansion of its sprint race program, with plans to increase the number of sprint events from six to 12 annually beginning in 2027. The move, being championed by commercial rights holder Liberty Media, reflects the format's growing appeal among fans, broadcasters, and circuit operators, despite concerns about additional demands on the sport.

Bahrain International CircuitFormula 1

The motorsport world is bracing for potential transformations to Formula 1's race weekend structure, as the sport's governing bodies examine proposals that could fundamentally reshape the competitive calendar. At the forefront of these discussions is a bold initiative from Liberty Media, the series' commercial rights holder, to substantially increase the prevalence of sprint races within the F1 schedule.

Currently, the annual calendar features six sprint race events. However, Liberty Media is pushing for this number to be doubled to 12 sprints per year starting from the 2027 season, marking a dramatic shift in how the sport structures its competitive weekends.

The rationale behind this expansion is clear: sprint races have proven to be a significant draw for multiple stakeholders in the Formula 1 ecosystem. Fans have demonstrated heightened engagement with these shorter, high-intensity competitions, while broadcasters have reported increased viewership and interest. Race promoters and circuit operators have similarly responded positively to the format, recognizing the commercial and sporting benefits these events generate.

Beyond the sprint race proliferation, F1 is also investigating broader modifications to the standard race weekend format itself, though specific details regarding these additional changes remain limited at this stage.

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Full Regulation Text

Sporting Regulations

Article B2.3.1

FIA Source

Sprint Session

Chapter: B2

In Simple Terms

A Sprint Session is a shorter race that takes place on the second day of competition at certain F1 events (called Alternative Format Competitions). It's a way to add variety to the weekend and gives teams another chance to score points and battle for position before the main Sunday race.

Sprint races occur on the second day of track running
Only used at Alternative Format Competition events
Provides additional racing and points-scoring opportunity
Held separately from the main Grand Prix race

Official FIA Text

Sprint session takes place on second day of track running at Alternative Format Competition.

sprint sessionsprint racealternative formatsecond daytrack running

2026 Season Regulations

Sporting Regulations

Article B2.3.5

FIA Source

Sprint Session Classification

Chapter: B2

In Simple Terms

In a sprint race, the winner is whoever completes the scheduled distance in the fastest time. All other cars are ranked by how many laps they completed and the order they crossed the finish line. However, if a car completes fewer than 90% of the winner's lap count, they won't be officially classified in the results.

Winner determined by shortest time to complete scheduled distance
Cars ranked by laps completed first, then finishing order
Must complete at least 90% of winner's laps to be classified
Unclassified cars receive no points

Official FIA Text

First place covers scheduled distance in shortest time. All Cars classified by laps completed and crossing order. Cars with less than 90% winner laps not classified.

sprint sessionclassificationlap countfinishing order90 percent rule

2026 Season Regulations

Sporting Regulations

Article B1.5.2

FIA Source

Official Meetings - Non-Sprint Competition Schedule

Chapter: ARTICLE B1: ORGANISATION OF A COMPETITION

In Simple Terms

On regular race weekends without sprint races, F1 holds two official meetings. The first meeting happens 3 hours before practice starts and only team managers need to attend. The second meeting occurs 1.5 hours after the final practice session ends and requires both drivers and team managers to be present.