Monaco Sprint Race among changes for 2027 F1 calendar
The 2027 Formula One World Championship calendar was announced this week, with 24 Grands Prix set to take place across 22 countries and ten Sprint events all on the agenda.
The most intriguing of these Sprint events — increased from six to ten races — will take place at the much-maligned Monaco Grand Prix Circuit, where overtaking is a rarity, even across a standard 78-lap race. There will also be Sprint events for the first time in Bahrain, Australia, Japan, and Abu Dhabi, while returning to previous Sprint-hosting circuits at Montreal, Silverstone, Monza, Sao Paulo and Lusail.
New additions to the calendar for 2027 include the return of the Portuguese Grand Prix at the Algarve International Circuit near Portimão, which previously stepped in to stage races in the COVID-affected seasons in 2020 and 2021 and Türkiye, which slots in between races in Azerbaijan and Singapore in October. The Istanbul Park circuit was where Lewis Hamilton secured his seventh Drivers’ Championship in 2020.
The Portuguese Grand Prix was previously held in 2020 and 2021. Credit: Mercedes F1
Madring criticised after poor Spanish Grand Prix
One circuit that remains on the calendar is the recently raced and much criticised Madring. Last weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix saw only four overtakes and was widely panned as one of the worst races in F1 history.
Following the widespread criticism from fans and drivers, organisers of the race are prepared to make changes to the circuit. The narrowness of the track led to a lack of overtaking opportunities throughout, with Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto saying he “almost fell asleep”.
The inaugural race’s track at the Ifema exhibition centre near Madrid's international airport is made up of a combination of roads and permanent circuit parts. Those in charge were in a race against time to get the event ready for last weekend, and this was noticed by some attending fans, who criticised access, poor visibility and broken facilities.
Nonetheless, organisers have told F1 and the FIA that they are prepared to make changes to the venue for next year.
Credit: Clive Mason/Getty Images
2027 Formula 1 World Championship Calendar
Round 1: Sakhir, Bahrain | March 12-14
Round 2: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia | March 19-21
Round 3: Melbourne, Australia | April 2-4
Round 4: Suzuka, Japan | April 9-11
Round 5: Shanghai, China | April 16-18
Round 6: Miami | April 30 - May 2
Round 7: Montreal, Canada | May 21-23
Round 8: Monaco | June 4-6
Round 9: Portimão, Portugal | June 18-20
Round 10: Silverstone, Great Britain | July 2-4
Round 11: Spielberg, Austria | July 9-11
Round 12: Spa, Belgium | July 23-25
Round 13: Budapest, Hungary | July 30 - August 1
Round 14: Monza, Italy | September 3-5
Round 15: Madrid, Spain | September 10-12
Round 16: Baku, Azerbaijan | September 24-26
Round 17: Istanbul, Türkiye | October 1-3
Round 18: Singapore | October 8-10
Round 19: Austin, United States | October 22-24
Round 20: Mexico City, Mexico | October 29-31
Round 21: São Paulo, Brazil | November 5-7
Round 22: Las Vegas, United States | November 18-20
Round 23: Lusail, Qatar | December 3-5
Round 24: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi | December 10-12
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Red Bull Content Pool