F1 can get about 10 sprint races by 2027 as promoters embrace their value

With competition for the rapidly popular sprint format of Formula 1, the series is considered eager to move beyond six sprint slots per season in early 2027.

F1 introduced the sprint race before the 2021 season to increase the spectacle on the proposal in a Grand Prix weekend and to provide more compelling products to the TV audience and audience on the track. The series initially used three sprint rounds per year before expanding six sprints since 2023, with repeatedly the sprint format to address initial criticism from fans and teams.

Since the F1 calendar has increased to a maximum of 24 Grands Prix, it means that just a quarter of the race has the opportunity to host sprints every season. And as the public opinion on the format – and the drivers – gradually trending more positive, competition is also more and more promoter because more and more promoters are beginning to embrace the value they have introduced.

value for money

Bobby Epstein, the US Austin Circuit co-founder and managing partner, who is welcoming the withdrawal of the sprint format for this month’s United States Grand Prix, says that he has not paid attention to a major change in ticket sales, but believes that Sprint Format has added a much higher value to visiting fans.

“I think it just gives more value to the ticket,” Epstein told selected media including autosport. “I don’t know (if) that it is translated to sell too much ticket, but fans feel it to heat it. It was not immediately seen as a desirable property, and it is not necessarily to run the ticket sales for a while.

“If they are buying a weekend pass and they live more hours in the circuit, it is better for us, more content.

Epstein’s Miami Grand Prix equivalent Tyler EPP told Autosport last year that Sprints were making a difference in the florida event. At that time the EPP admitted that he was initially doubted about the possible impact of adding the sprint race, but has since come all around to recognize their value. In the case of Miami, the first sprint caused spike in Saturday’s presence in the 2024 edition, and the site was happy to host one and one earlier this year.

“I was wrong about the sprint race, I was very concerned about the price offer there, but I could not be more wrong,” the EPP said at the end of last year. “Feedback and data that we received was shown the year that our appearance was on a Saturday, and they were hurry for a sprint race.”

Fom eyes more sprint race by 2027

Sticking from just six sprints on the calendar per season with F1 now, the demand for those slots, Belgium Grand Prix organizers stated that they were “very respected” to be a hosting “the only European place” this year.

But it can change well The lead of F1’s head Stephano Domainley indicated the growth In the sprint race in the medium period. The number of Saturdays for the 2026 season will remain on six, but Autosport understands that the discussions are increasing the number that is increasing the number by 2027 to about 10, which will require support from the commercial rightsholder FOM, the body the FIA ​​and teams will have to operate.

“I have to say that apart from some old dye-hard fans, everyone wants a sprint weekend,” Dominally told Autosport and other media before the Italian Grand Prix last week. “Promoters push for this format and now the drivers are also interested.

“I am a little exciting, but the free practice appeals to super-experts; people who want to see more action. They prefer sprint weekends. It is more to discuss and comment from Friday-a qualifying session-but I think it is to be a part of F1 culture.

“The direction is clear: I can guarantee that all weekends will be demanded with the same format in a few years. I am not saying that we will meet in Motogp, which has a sprint in every round – this is a very big step. I see it as a maturity process that respects more traditional perspectives.”

In the same interview, Dominical also swimmed the idea of ​​reverse grid race and short grand pricks distance. Those comments are not understood as concrete steps. FOMs and its owners are taking Liberty Media, but they triggered a widespread discussion on whether F1 would be intelligent to carry forward a radical format shake-up to complete a small demographic of fans.

Epstein of Cota admitted that F1 faced a “hard balance” to preserve, but will return what he decides to do in the future: “I think Stephano will only do so if he feels that it is in the best interest of the game.

“The one who makes Stephano a magnificent leader is his ability to develop F1 and remain relevant without renouncing the rich heritage and tradition of the game. Therefore, it is a difficult balance, but he does so without passion and renouncing the interests of fans, teams or competitors.

“We will continue to focus on providing a great fan experience and will let Stephano decide what is the best for the game. I have full faith in it.”