Monaco sprint and season opener Plan B - F1's 2027 calendar

Key Points:

• Formula 1's 2027 calendar includes a surprise addition of a sprint race in Monaco, increasing the total number of sprints to 10, with new sprint events also scheduled in Bahrain, Australia, Japan, and Abu Dhabi.
• The season is planned to start in the Middle East with Bahrain (March 14) and Saudi Arabia (March 21), despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, followed by races in Australia, Japan, and China.
• If Middle East races cannot proceed as scheduled, F1 may advance the Australia, China, and Japan events to open the season, with optimism growing that Australia can accommodate an earlier start.
• Portugal returns as a standalone race in Portimao on June 20, Turkey returns as part of a triple-header with Azerbaijan and Singapore, and Las Vegas is set as a standalone event on November 20 before the season finale in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
• The Monaco sprint aims to add weekend variability by reducing practice sessions and increasing unpredictability in qualifying, despite the circuit's reputation for limited overtaking opportunities.