F1 2027 Calendar: Bahrain To Open Season In March Despite Middle East Uncertainty

Formula 1 and the FIA have officially announced the 2027 Formula One World Championship calendar, with Bahrain set to host the season opener in March despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Middle East.

The calendar, approved by the FIA World Motor Sport Council, features 24 Grands Prix across 22 countries and five continents, while the number of Sprint events has increased to 10.

The 2027 campaign will begin with pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir from February 24 to 27, before the championship returns to the same venue for the opening race from March 12 to 14.

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Saudi Arabia will host the second round a week later in Jeddah, before the championship heads to Australia, Japan and China. The calendar then moves to Miami and Canada, continuing Formula 1's push to combine established venues with major global destinations.

Bahrain To Host Season Opener

Bahrain's position as the opening race is notable given the continuing uncertainty surrounding the wider Middle East region. Nevertheless, the FIA-approved calendar currently retains both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia as the first two Grands Prix of the 2027 season.

After the opening double-header, F1 will travel to Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix, followed by Sprint weekends in Japan and Canada later in the early-season schedule.

The European portion of the campaign will feature the return of Portugal in June, with the race at Portimão coming after Monaco.

Turkey will also make its return to the championship in October, with Istanbul scheduled between Azerbaijan and Singapore.

10 Sprint Events In 2027

One of the biggest changes for 2027 is the expansion of Sprint weekends from six to 10.

Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Monaco and Abu Dhabi will host Sprint events for the first time. Sprint races will also return at Montréal, Silverstone, Monza, São Paulo and Lusail.

Formula 1 said data since the Sprint format was introduced in 2021 shows that Sprint weekends have recorded 12% higher total viewership than non-Sprint weekends. It also stated that Sprint Qualifying is up to three times more popular with fans than Free Practice, while 82% of attendees at Sprint weekends say the format adds value to their ticket.

Monaco's inclusion will provide an interesting addition, with the Principality hosting a Sprint for the first time and consequently featuring two qualifying sessions across the weekend.

F1 2027 Season To End In Abu Dhabi

Following the European leg, the championship will head towards its final stretch with races in Azerbaijan, Turkey and Singapore before returning to the United States for the Austin Grand Prix.

The season will then continue through Mexico City, São Paulo and Las Vegas, before the final two rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the calendar reflects Formula 1's continued global expansion while maintaining a balance between tradition, innovation and fan engagement.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali also welcomed the return of Portugal and Turkey while highlighting the expansion of Sprint racing and the sport's growing international audience.

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2027 F1 Calendar

Feb 24–27: Pre-season testing — Bahrain, Sakhir
Mar 12–14: Bahrain — Sakhir (Sprint)
Mar 19–21: Saudi Arabia — Jeddah
Apr 2–4: Australia — Melbourne (Sprint)
Apr 9–11: Japan — Suzuka (Sprint)
Apr 16–18: China — Shanghai
Apr 30–May 2: USA — Miami
May 21–23: Canada — Montréal (Sprint)
Jun 4–6: Monaco — Monaco (Sprint)
Jun 18–20: Portugal — Portimão
Jul 2–4: Great Britain — Silverstone (Sprint)
Jul 9–11: Austria — Spielberg
Jul 23–25: Belgium — Spa-Francorchamps
Jul 30–Aug 1: Hungary — Budapest
Sep 3–5: Italy — Monza (Sprint)
Sep 10–12: Spain — Madrid
Sep 24–26: Azerbaijan — Baku
Oct 1–3: Turkey — Istanbul*
Oct 8–10: Singapore — Singapore
Oct 22–24: USA — Austin
Oct 29–31: Mexico — Mexico City
Nov 5–7: Brazil — São Paulo (Sprint)
Nov 18–20: USA — Las Vegas
Dec 3–5: Qatar — Lusail (Sprint)
Dec 10–12: Abu Dhabi — Yas Marina (Sprint)