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Sprint Revolution Looms: F1 Set to Double Sprint Race Calendar From 2027 Onwards

Formula 1 is exploring a significant expansion of its sprint racing program, with plans to increase the number of sprint events from six to 12 annually starting in 2027. Liberty Media, the sport's commercial operator, is also investigating additional modifications to the standard race weekend format as part of a broader strategic initiative.

Sprint Revolution Looms: F1 Set to Double Sprint Race Calendar From 2027 Onwards
Bahrain International CircuitFormula 1

The pinnacle of motorsport is preparing for a major shake-up to its competitive calendar. Formula 1 is actively evaluating the prospect of dramatically expanding its sprint racing contingent, potentially doubling the current allocation from six events per season to a dozen by 2027.

At the heart of this strategic consideration lies Liberty Media, F1's commercial rights holder, which has consistently advocated for an increase in sprint races. The organization's enthusiasm stems from compelling evidence that sprint events generate heightened engagement across multiple stakeholder groups—fans, broadcasting partners, and race promoters have all demonstrated increased interest when sprint races are featured on the calendar.

Beyond simply expanding the sprint format, the sport's governing bodies are simultaneously investigating other potential modifications to the traditional race weekend structure. These investigations suggest that Liberty Media's vision extends beyond merely adding more sprint events, encompassing a more comprehensive reimagining of how Formula 1 weekends could be organized and presented.

While the sprint format has proven popular with key audiences and commercial partners, the proposal does acknowledge the additional pressures that an expanded schedule would place on various stakeholders within the sport's ecosystem.

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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 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.

  • First meeting is 3 hours before FP1 - team managers only
  • Second meeting is 1.5 hours after FP2 ends - drivers and team managers required
  • These meetings only apply to regular weekends without sprint races
  • Attendance at these official meetings is mandatory
Official FIA Text

Where no sprint: meetings 3 hours before FP1 and 1.5 hours after FP2 end. Team managers attend first; drivers and team managers attend second.

official meetingsnon-sprint weekendteam managersdrivers briefingfp1
2026 Season Regulations
Sporting Regulations

Article B1.6.8

FIA Source

General Safety - Team Members in Signalling Area

Chapter: ARTICLE B1: ORGANISATION OF A COMPETITION

In Simple Terms

Each F1 team can have a maximum of 12 people in the signalling area (the pit lane section where they communicate with their driver) during all racing events. This includes practice sessions, qualifying, sprint races, and the main race. The rule keeps the pit lane organized and safe.

  • Maximum of 12 team members allowed in the signalling area per team
  • Applies to all session types: practice, qualifying, sprint qualifying, sprint, and race
  • The signalling area is the designated pit lane zone for team-to-driver communication
  • Rule maintains pit lane safety and operational standards
Official FIA Text

Only twelve team members per Competitor permitted in signalling area during practice, qualifying, sprint qualifying, sprint session and Race.

signalling areapit laneteam memberspit crewpractice session
2026 Season Regulations