Stefano Domenicali has all but confirmed that the 2027 Formula 1 calendar will feature more sprint races than the current six. And yes, he is calling it brave. Brace yourselves.
The Hint That Was Not Really a Hint
Speaking at Silverstone, the F1 CEO told Sky Sports that a record number of sprint weekends is on the way, with the formal announcement tied to the 2027 calendar release, expected imminently. Reports suggest the number could climb to nine or even ten rounds, up from the current six.
“I think that this is the way to go, and we are on the process of announcing the bigger number for the future. This will come when we announce the calendar very, very soon.” – Stefano Domenicali
To his credit, Domenicali did not confirm nine or ten. He just strongly implied it and told everyone to stay tuned. Subtle.
The Bravery Argument
Domenicali’s justification leans on the 150,000 fans who packed Silverstone on Friday. His logic: big crowds deserve big action, and sprints deliver that. There is some truth in it. Empty grandstands during free practice sessions were never a great look for the sport.
“If you remember in the beginning, people were always sceptical of what we’re doing. We have the duty to be, in a way, brave and to think out of the box.” – Stefano Domenicali
What he skips over is that Liberty Media and circuit promoters make considerably more money from sprint weekends. Ticket sales spike. Hospitality revenues spike. Sponsorship inventory expands. Calling that bravery is a generous interpretation.
The Voices Being Talked Over
Max Verstappen has consistently argued for fewer sprints and a more traditional weekend structure. He is not alone. Drivers and team principals have raised concerns that diluting the calendar with action-packed Saturdays ultimately chips away at what makes a Grand Prix feel special.
The irony is hard to miss. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has suggested fewer sprints would improve quality. Even those who see value in the format acknowledge it needs refinement, not raw expansion. Yet here we are, heading toward potentially ten sprint weekends a season.
For context on how chaotic a sprint weekend can already get, Silverstone 2026 was a masterclass in organised chaos without needing any extra help.
The Bottom Line
More sprint races may well be good television. They may fill grandstands and please broadcasters. But dressing up a commercial decision as sporting courage does not make it one. When the 2027 calendar drops, count the sprints and count the zeros on Liberty Media’s balance sheet. The correlation will be instructive.
