2 hrs ago
Formula 1 Sets Bahrain Opening for 2027 Amid Regional Uncertainty
Formula 1 has announced where its races will happen in 2027.
The season is planned to begin in Bahrain on March 14.
Bahrain and Saudi Arabia lost their races this year because of the Iran war.
Formula 1 still plans to race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi later in 2027, but those events could still be changed.
Officials say they will not send drivers or staff into danger.
The new calendar has 24 races and 10 short sprint races.
Bahrain will have a sprint before its main race.
Portugal and Turkey are returning, while Barcelona will not host a race in 2027.
Formula 1 says races with sprints usually attract more viewers.
Formula 1 released a 24-race 2027 calendar starting in Bahrain on March 14, followed by Saudi Arabia.
Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races were canceled this year because of the Iran war, while Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain uncertain.
The 2027 schedule includes 10 sprint races, including the first sprint at Monaco and one at the season opener.
Portugal and Turkey return to the calendar, while Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya will alternate with Belgium from 2028.
Formula 1 said sprint weekends averaged 12% higher viewership, while officials said safety would guide decisions on West Asian races.
- Who
- Formula 1, its teams and drivers, and host countries including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
- What
- Formula 1 announced a 24-race 2027 schedule beginning in Bahrain, despite uncertainty about West Asian races.
- Where
- The opening race is scheduled for Bahrain, with additional West Asian races planned in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
- When
- The 2027 season is scheduled to begin on March 14; the Qatar race is scheduled for November 29 and Abu Dhabi for December 6.
- Why
- Bahrain has a long-term hosting contract and contributes significant hosting value, but safety concerns remain because of the Iran war.
Proceed With the Announced Calendar
Prioritize Safety and Alternative Venues
West Asian races
Proceed With the Announced Calendar
Formula 1 has retained Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi because they have long-term contracts and are valuable hosts and sponsors.
Prioritize Safety and Alternative Venues
The races could be moved or canceled if safety conditions do not allow drivers, teams or staff to attend safely.
2027 season opener
Proceed With the Announced Calendar
Bahrain is returning as the opening venue after being moved later in the calendar in 2025 and 2026 because of Ramadan scheduling.
Prioritize Safety and Alternative Venues
The planned opening remains exposed to regional uncertainty, and Formula 1 could need an alternative venue if conditions deteriorate.
Key facts
- 2027 calendar length
- 24 races
- Scheduled season opener
- Bahrain Grand Prix on March 14, 2027
- West Asian races
- Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi are included in the schedule
- Sprint races
- The number increases from six to 10, including Bahrain and Monaco
- Qatar Grand Prix
- Scheduled for November 29, 2027
- Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
- Scheduled to end the season on December 6, 2027
- Reported sprint viewership
- Sprint weekends averaged 12% higher viewership than weekends without sprints
Quotes
Mohammed Ben Sulayem
FIA president
“Are we going to allow our people, our staff, the drivers or the teams to go at risk? No, of course not. We will not”
CNBC TV 18
“giving our fans even more intensity, drama, and the wheel-to-wheel action that make our sport so special”
CNBC TV 18
Sources
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