F1's Bold Move: Doubling Sprint Races to 12 by 2027!
In a stunning shift that could redefine the landscape of Formula 1, the sport is actively exploring plans to increase the number of sprint races from a modest six to a thrilling twelve starting in 2027! This audacious move is spearheaded by F1's commercial rights holder, Liberty Media, who are eager to inject more excitement and drama into the race weekends that fans crave.
The impetus behind this monumental change? A surge in interest from fans, broadcasters, and race promoters alike. The exhilarating format of sprint races not only captivates audiences but also presents a formidable challenge to drivers and teams, adding layers of strategy and competition that keep everyone on their toes. F1’s CEO, Stefano Domenicali, emphasized the need for “meaningful on-track action” throughout the entire race weekend, stating, “The reason why we started to discuss the number of sprints and maybe some different format is because of the feedback we received from the fans, the promoters, that people want to see real action during the three days.”
But that's not all! F1 is also mulling over innovative changes to the traditional race weekend format. In an effort to make every day on track relevant, Domenicali expressed the desire to spice up Fridays, saying, “Even if it is not a sprint weekend, there is a trend of wanting to have something different.” This could mean introducing competitive elements on Fridays, which, although exciting, raises concerns about the impact on rookie drivers who may find themselves out of their depth. To counter this, F1 is considering extending practice sessions for newcomers, allowing them crucial time to acclimatize before the high-stakes action begins.
As the F1 calendar stands, there’s also buzz around adding new races, particularly in key markets such as Southeast Asia and Africa. However, after extensive discussions in Rwanda, Thailand, and South Korea, it appears that any new international additions are unlikely to materialize before 2029. This opens the door for European circuits to secure their spots, with Barcelona confirmed to host races in even years, sharing the limelight with Belgium.
Domenicali hinted at the possibility of more short-term races in Europe to fill the gaps, especially after the announcement of the return of the Portuguese Grand Prix. “Yes, I think so, in terms of what you said about the big countries,” he acknowledged. Yet, he cautioned against rushing into decisions, insisting that building new events from scratch requires time and careful planning.
One race generating significant buzz is the Turkish Grand Prix, with Istanbul Park's organizers claiming that a deal is imminent. While Domenicali confirmed that nothing is set in stone yet, he noted that recent calendar additions are a direct response to criticisms that F1 has become overly reliant on street circuits. “Turkey is not 100% confirmed. Stay tuned on Turkey, let me put it this way,” he remarked, reinforcing the excitement surrounding the potential return of this iconic track.
As F1 races towards this exhilarating future, fans can only watch in anticipation. With the promise of more sprint races, revamped weekend formats, and the return of beloved tracks, the sport is gearing up for a thrilling evolution. Will you be ready for the high-octane action that lies ahead? Buckle up; Formula 1 is about to take you on the ride of your life!
