Formula 1 is gearing up for its most significant format shake-up in years, with insider sources confirming a complete redesign of the Sprint weekend is on the table for the 2027 season.
The proposed changes, currently in advanced discussions between F1, the FIA, and the ten teams, aim to address longstanding criticisms by creating a distinct separation between the Sprint event and the main Grand Prix. This would fundamentally alter the sporting and technical regulations that govern race weekends.
What's Changing in the F1 Sprint Format?
The core of the new proposal involves a clear division of the weekend. The Sprint would become a standalone spectacle, run to a separate set of sporting and technical rules. Crucially, this means a move away from the current format where car setups are locked in after a single Friday practice session, which often compromises the main event.
Under the new system, teams would be granted dedicated parc fermé conditions for each event. This allows them to reconfigure their cars specifically for the Sprint race on Saturday and then again for the Grand Prix on Sunday, ensuring both events are optimised for maximum performance and excitement.
Why is F1 Making These Changes?
The motivation is twofold. Firstly, it directly tackles team and driver complaints that the current format punishes those who get their initial setup wrong, effectively ruining their entire weekend. Secondly, it aims to enhance the show for fans by ensuring both the Sprint and the Grand Prix are competitive, unpredictable, and not beholden to the other.
This strategic pivot comes after previous attempts to tweak the Sprint, such as reversing the order of sessions, failed to fully satisfy stakeholders. The 2027 plan represents a more radical and holistic solution.
The Road to 2027
While the broad framework is agreed upon, the final details are still being ironed out. Key questions remain, such as the exact points system for the Sprint and whether it will feature a separate qualifying session. A final vote and official confirmation from the FIA are expected in the coming months.
This ambitious overhaul signals Formula 1's continued commitment to innovation, ensuring the world's premier motorsport category remains dynamic and thrilling for a global audience.
