Formula 1 fans heading to the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit in 2027 for the Canadian Grand Prix will once again have the opportunity to watch a sprint race. Formula 1 unveiled its 2027 season calendar on Wednesday, which includes 24 Grand Prix events in 22 countries. Ten of these races, including the one in Montreal, will feature a sprint race. Introduced in 2021, the sprint format was used for the first time in Montreal last May, and was won by Mercedes driver George Russell. Following the race’s popularity, the number of sprints is set to increase from six in 2026 to 10 in 2027. According to Formula 1 officials, total viewership for weekends featuring a sprint race is 12 per cent higher than on weekends without one. Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Monaco and Abu Dhabi are expected to host sprint races for the first time next year in addition to current hosts Canada, Great Britain, Italy, Brazil and Qatar. In Monaco, Formula 1 officials seem to be trying to breathe new life into a Grand Prix that, despite its historic significance, is often criticized for a lack of on-track action during the race due to the circuit’s layout. The Grand Prix weekend format changes when a sprint race is held. On Friday, the drivers take part in a single free practice session, followed by qualifying for the sprint race. On Saturday, drivers compete in the sprint race, then take part in qualifiers for the Grand Prix. The main race takes place on Sunday, as usual. The winner of the sprint race, which is about one-third the distance of a Grand Prix, earns eight championship points. Each subsequent driver earns points through eighth place, with the eighth-place finisher receiving just one point. The 2027 Canadian Grand Prix is set to take place from May 21 to 23, three weeks after the Miami Grand Prix. Tickets are slated to go on sale Sept. 24 at 12 p.m. The 2027 season is expected to begin with the Bahrain Grand Prix from March 12 to 14 and conclude in Abu Dhabi from Dec. 10 to 12. This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Sept. 16, 2026.
