With the increasing popularity of the sprint format, Formula 1 should apparently think about increasing the number of sprint races per year beyond the current six – possibly already from the 2027 season.
Formula 1 introduced the format for the 2021 season to expand the show on a Grand Prix weekend and to offer a more attractive product for TV viewers and fans on the route.
First, three sprint weekends were tested a year before the number was increased to six from 2023. The format has been adjusted several times to take criticism from fans and teams into account.
Since the calendar has now grown to 24 Grands Prix, this means that only a quarter of the races can carry out a sprint. But since public opinion – like that of the driver – is increasingly moving into the positive, the competition is also growing, as more and more promoters recognize the added value of the sprints.
Bobby Epstein, co -founder and managing partner of the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, where the sprint format in October returns to the U.S. Grand Prix, reveals that he had not found a great increase in ticket sales. Nevertheless, the value for fans has increased.
“I think it simply gives the ticket more, and we are grateful for that,” explains Epstein and emphasizes: “I don’t know if it has actually led to significantly more ticket sales, but the fans seem to get used to it.”
Are sprints really worried?
“In the beginning it was not necessarily seen as a valuable addition, and for a while it was not the ticket sales. I just think it just increases the value of the ticket and gives people more what we always welcome. We want as much entertainment as possible for the weekend.”
“If people buy a weekend ticket and stay on the track for more hours, it is better for us – more content. I don’t think the decision to get to a Grand Prix depends on whether there is a sprint race,” said Epstein.
“In any case, we have not found any effects on sales and demand. But I have no doubt that it offers more entertainment. And that’s what we are about,” he emphasizes.
Epstein’s counterpart to the Miami Grand Prix, Tyler Epp, on the other hand, said last year that sprint races at the Florida event have now made a difference. At first he was very skeptical about the added value of a sprint race, but now he has changed his opinion.
At the first sprint in Miami there was actually an increase in the number of viewers on Saturday in 2024, and the route was so satisfied that in 2025 a sprint race was held again.
“I was wrong with the sprint race. I was very concerned about the price-performance ratio, but I couldn’t have been wrong,” said Epp at the end of last year and explained: “The feedback and the data showed that our viewers on Saturday rose in the year.”
More and more routes want a sprint
Since Formula 1 currently only allowed six sprints per season, demand is high. The organizers of the Grand Prize of Belgium said that they were “very honored” to be “the only European route” with a sprint race this year.
But that could change soon. Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali indicated that the number of sprint races could increase in the medium term. For the 2026 season it remains with six Saturday races.
However, according to information from Motorsport-Total.com, talks are running to increase the number in 2027 to around ten. This would require the approval of the rights holder FOM, the World Association FIA and the team.
“I have to say: apart from some older hardcore fans, everyone wants to sprint,” said Domenicali recently before the Grand Prix of Italy and explains: “The promoters are pushing for this format, and the drivers are now also interested.”
“I’m a bit provocative now, but: Free training appeals to super specialists. If you want more action, you prefer a sprint weekend. From Friday there will be more to discuss and comment, there is a qualifying. But I understand that it has to be part of the Formula 1 culture.”
“The direction is clear: I can guarantee that in a few years there will be demand to carry out all weekends in the same format. I do not say that we end up with a sprint with every race. That would be too big,” says Domenicali.
No concrete plans for shorter races
“I see it more as a maturation process that respects a more traditional approach,” said the Formula 1 boss. In the same interview, Domenicali also brought ideas such as reverse grid races or shorter Grand Prix distances.
However, these statements are not considered a concrete plans by FOM or owner Liberty Media, but only triggered a discussion as to whether Formula 1 should address younger fans with a more radical format change.
Epstein from the Cota admits that Formula 1 must hold a “difficult balance”, but says that he would support any decision in the series. “I think Stefano would only do that if he believes that it is in the best interest of sport,” he emphasizes.
“Part of what Stefano makes into such a brilliant leader is his ability to further develop Formula 1 without sacrificing the rich legacy and tradition of sport. It is a difficult balance, but he does it with passion and without the interests of the fans, teams or drivers.”
“We continue to concentrate on offering a great fan experience and we let Stefano decide what the best thing is for sport. I have full confidence in it,” said Epstein.