Formula 1 schedules 2027 season-opening race in Bahrain in March despite Middle East uncertainty
F1 will expand sprint races to 10 in 2027, including a first-ever Monaco sprint and a Bahrain season opener.
- Formula released the 2027 schedule on Wednesday, confirming the Bahrain Grand Prix opens the season with a sprint race, marking the first time a season has begun with a short-format race.
- Ongoing war in Iran forced the cancellation of Bahrain Grand Prix and Saudi Arabia events this year, though all venues maintain long-term contracts to host Grand Prix.
- Formula is expanding to 10 sprint races in 2027, featuring a debut at the Monaco Grand Prix, while the Turkish Grand Prix returns in October and Portugal hosts its first race since 2021 at Portimao.
- Significant venue changes exclude the Circuit in Catalunya near Barcelona for the first time since 1990; Madrid secured the Spanish Grand Prix title this year, though Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix remains on the schedule.
- Contingency planning includes the Qatar Grand Prix on Nov. 29 and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Dec. 6 remaining on the calendar, with Formula considering a potential shift to Europe if these events cannot proceed as planned.
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The F1 and the FIA have released the calendar for the next season, which will start in Bahrain. Ten sprint races are on the programme, against six this year, including one in Monaco.
The Washington Post
Formula 1 schedules 2027 season-opening race in Bahrain in March despite Middle East uncertainty
F1 2027 calendar: Bahrain back as season opener after 2-year gap; uncertainty looms over Middle East races
Qatar and Abu Dhabi are also set to host races towards the end of the season. All four venues have long-term agreements with Formula 1, while Bahrain will also stage preseason testing in February.
F1 schedules 2027 season-opening race in Bahrain despite West Asia uncertainty
F1 released a 24-race schedule for 2027 on Wednesday, September 16, starting with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 14 and then Saudi Arabia a week later, with events also scheduled for Qatar and Abu Dhabi at the end of the year.
The F1 announced on Wednesday a provisional calendar for next season. Without change, 24 races, including 10 sprint races (including Monaco) should be on the agenda. The kick-off will be given in Bahrain in March with closure in Abu Dhabi on 12 December.
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