F1-sarjassa koetaan suuri mullistus vuonna 2027: Stefano Domenicali ja Kimi Räikkönen tukevat sprinttikilpailujen laajennusta ennätyksellisen fanien kiinnostuksen ja kasvavien TV-yleisöjen ansiosta.
Formula 1 could be on the verge of another significant format change, with reports suggesting the sport is considering increasing the number of Sprint weekends from the current six events to as many as nine or ten starting from the 2027 season.
The proposal is believed to have gained momentum due to the growing popularity of Sprint races among fans and broadcasters. Since their introduction, Sprint events have provided additional competitive action on Fridays and Saturdays, helping to create excitement throughout the entire race weekend rather than focusing solely on Sunday’s Grand Prix.
According to reports, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is one of the leading figures supporting the expansion. Domenicali has consistently emphasized the importance of keeping the sport entertaining and ensuring that fans receive maximum value throughout a race weekend. The strong television ratings generated by Sprint events have reportedly strengthened the case for adding more of them to the calendar.
Former Formula 1 World Champion Kimi Räikkönen has also been linked to support for the proposal. The Finnish racing legend, who remains one of the most respected figures in the sport, is said to recognize the increased engagement that Sprint races bring to modern Formula 1 audiences. While traditionalists have sometimes criticized the format, supporters argue that it provides more meaningful on-track action and reduces the amount of practice sessions that can feel repetitive for viewers.
The Sprint format has evolved significantly since its debut. Initially introduced as an experiment, it has gradually become a regular feature of the Formula 1 calendar. Drivers compete in a shorter race on Saturday, with points awarded to the top finishers, creating additional opportunities for teams and drivers to gain valuable championship points.
Broadcasters and promoters have reportedly welcomed the format because it attracts larger audiences across multiple days of a race weekend. Friday qualifying sessions and Saturday Sprint races have become major attractions, helping Formula 1 maintain strong viewership figures in an increasingly competitive sports entertainment market.
However, any move to increase the number of Sprint weekends is likely to spark debate within the paddock. Some drivers and teams have expressed concerns in the past about the added pressure on personnel, increased risk of accidents, and the reduced time available for car setup and development during race weekends.
Despite these concerns, Formula 1’s leadership appears determined to continue exploring ways to enhance the spectacle. If the proposal is approved, fans could see up to ten Sprint weekends on the calendar from 2027, representing the biggest expansion of the format since its introduction.
For supporters of the Sprint concept, the potential change represents an exciting step forward. With fan interest continuing to rise and television audiences remaining strong, Formula 1 may believe that expanding Sprint weekends is the next logical move in its effort to keep the sport more competitive, entertaining, and engaging for a global audience.
The final decision has yet to be confirmed, but one thing is clear: Formula 1’s evolution shows no signs of slowing down as it looks toward the future.
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