F1 2027 Calendar Revealed: Australian GP Loses Season Opener, Monaco Adds Sprint Race
- According to reporting from the Australian Associated Press (AAP) and 1News, the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix will lose its season-opening status for the 2027 season, moving to...
- The Albert Park circuit previously landed the chance to open the F1 year in 2026, mirroring its traditional role from past decades, according to AAP.
- Melbourne is one of 10 circuits scheduled to stage a sprint race in 2027, an increase of four sprint weekends compared to the previous year, according to AAP.
According to reporting from the Australian Associated Press (AAP) and 1News, the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix will lose its season-opening status for the 2027 season, moving to the third round of a record-equalling 24-race calendar on April 4, 2027. Bahrain will replace Melbourne as the season-opening venue on March 14, followed by the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah on March 21.
2027 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix Schedule Changes
The Albert Park circuit previously landed the chance to open the F1 year in 2026, mirroring its traditional role from past decades, according to AAP. For the 2027 schedule, however, the main grand prix event is locked in for April 4. Despite losing the season-launch honor, the Melbourne weekend will expand significantly. AAP reports that the event will host two races during its race weekend through the addition of a sprint race on Saturday, April 3, 2027.
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Expansion of Sprint Weekends in 2027
Melbourne is one of 10 circuits scheduled to stage a sprint race in 2027, an increase of four sprint weekends compared to the previous year, according to AAP. The format alters the standard Friday schedule by replacing the second practice session with a single practice period followed by sprint race qualifying in the afternoon. On Saturday, fans will experience a double attraction consisting of the sprint race itself, followed later by qualifying for the main grand prix, as noted by AAP. Formula 1 data indicates that broadcast viewership for sprint weekends runs 12 percent higher than non-sprint weekends, with qualifying drawing three times more popular engagement than free practice sessions.
Global Calendar Adjustments
The broader 2027 F1 calendar features several notable shifts alongside the changes in Melbourne. According to AAP, Portugal will host a race on June 20, and Türkiye will host an event on October 3, while the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort and Barcelona have been dropped from the program. Other notable sprint events added for the 2027 season include Monaco on June 6, the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka on April 11, and the season-finale in Abu Dhabi on December 12, alongside returning sprint venues in Canada, Great Britain, Italy, Brazil, and Qatar, per AAP reporting.