F1: A Total Revolution Is Coming—Liberty Media Wants More Excitement on Race Weekends

A revolution to make Formula 1 even more thrilling. This time, the radical change concerns the calendar and, in particular, the Sprint Races—the prelude to Sunday’s main races.

Liberty Media has reportedly decided to increase the number of Sprint Races (which are very popular with fans) starting in the 2027 season, raising the number significantly. Currently, there are six per season.

The commercial success of the concept has dispelled any doubts among Formula 1 owners. According to the British broadcaster Sky Sports F1, Formula 1 plans to increase the number of race weekends featuring a Sprint Race to a total of nine or 10 starting in 2027. If this 10-race format is confirmed, nearly 40% of the world championship would be contested under this shortened format.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is a strong believer in Sprint Races: “I think we’re already seeing the effects, with over 150,000 people on Friday at Silverstone. If we didn’t offer them something with action on the track, it would be a mistake,” said the Italian CEO during the British round of the World Championship, where the Sprint Race—won by Lewis Hamilton in a Ferrari—took place.