Are more sprint weekends the future of Formula 1?

Formula 1 is looking at the idea of having more sprint races in the future, with reports suggesting that the number could increase from six to ten per year from 2027.

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Sprint races were first brought in for the 2021 season as short 100-kilometre contests that replace a practice session with competitive action. At first there were only three of them each season, but the format has grown in significance and now appears six times on the calendar. Points are handed out to the top eight finishers, which has helped make the shorter races more meaningful for drivers and teams.

The response from fans and insiders has always been mixed. Some say sprint races disrupt the traditional structure of a grand prix weekend and take away from the build-up to Sunday’s main event. Others, including race promoters, see them as a success because spectators in the stands get more excitement across all three days.

At circuits like Austin and Miami, organisers have noted that while ticket sales may not dramatically rise, the people who attend enjoy having extra racing to watch. Longer days at the track also help create a livelier and more engaging atmosphere for fans.

READ MORE: FORMULA 1 NORMAL VS. SPRINT WEEKEND FORMAT EXPLAINED

F1’s CEO Stefano Domenicali has made it clear he supports the expansion of sprint weekends. He believes most people are warming to the format and that promoters are pushing for more of them. According to him, sprint races create extra talking points from Friday onwards and are more appealing to a wider audience than practice sessions. He has even hinted that one day the championship could move towards a standard format at every race, although he admits that might take some time.

Beyond the entertainment factor, there are other reasons why sprint races interest Formula 1’s organisers. With the championship now stretching to a record 24 grands prix in a season, not every host venue has a way to stand out. Offering a sprint can make their event more attractive to fans and sponsors.

For the teams, extra points are also on the line, which can prove crucial in close championship battles. If the plans go ahead, sprint races may well become a defining feature of Formula 1 in the years ahead.

Tereza Hořínková

Tereza is a dedicated sports journalist and mass media student, who has been passionate about the motorsport world since young age. Her work focuses on the stories on and off the track, while making motorsport feel accessible and exciting for every kind of fan.