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Domenicali's F1 Circus Expands: Zandvoort Dropped, Sprints Flourish
The 2027 Formula 1 calendar promises to be 'historically' grueling, featuring a shocking surge in sprint races and several unexpected (or completely predictable) changes.
By Kritische Hans van den Broekma - 2026-07-08T06:10:58.000Z - 2 min read
Hold your breath, Formula 1 fans, because the 2027 calendar promises to be a marathon that would make even the most hardened driver shudder. With a potential count of no fewer than 34 races – yes, you read that right, THIRTY-FOUR – F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali seems determined to redefine the concept of 'saturation.' As if 24 Grand Prix weekends were not enough, we are nonchalantly handed four additional sprint races, pushing the total to ten. Because honestly, who isn't dying for more of the exact same thing?
Domenicali, the tireless champion of 'more is better,' informed Sky that an announcement regarding this megalomaniacal schedule is 'imminent.' According to the big boss, increasing the number of sprint races is 'the right path.' Well, they've been claiming that for five years, ever since the format was introduced. And while online reactions indicate a 'divided' reception – a euphemism if I ever heard one – F1 steadfastly asserts that popularity among fans is 'much higher.' The skeptics? According to Domenicali, they've been 'convinced.' Ah well, you have to believe in something, don't you? Especially when it lines your pockets.
But let's not focus solely on quantity, because the quality (or rather, the locations) is also undergoing a makeover. Unfortunately for the orange-clad stands: the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, which was set to host a sprint race for the first time this year, will not return next year. A bitter pill for the tens of thousands who trample the dunes every year with their orange air horns and Verstappen flags. Spain must also take a step back, as F1 will visit Circuit de Catalunya only once. But fear not! The glory days of 2021 return with the comeback of Istanbul Park in Turkey and Autódromo do Algarve in Portugal. And of course, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, which were 'unfortunate' cancellations this year, make their 'faithful' return to the calendar. Because stability is everything, especially in the Gulf region.
It appears that Formula 1, under Domenicali's leadership, is drifting ever further from its core essence. More races, more sprints, more venues that vanish as quickly as they appear. People scream blue murder about the workload on teams and drivers, but hey, the show must go on, right? Whether true enthusiasts will still have any energy or passion left at the end of this 34-race spectacle is a question Domenicali will likely only ask long after the cash register has stopped ringing. Enjoy the spectacle – or whatever is left of it.