Formula 1 has announced that the Bahrain Grand Prix will take place on March 14, 2027, serving as the opening round of the new season amid continued uncertainty surrounding Middle Eastern races.
The 2027 Formula 1 calendar features 24 races, with Bahrain hosting the opening round followed by the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix one week later.
Qatar and Abu Dhabi will retain their positions toward the end of the season under the announced schedule.
Bahrain Returns to the Season-Opening Slot
Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi all have long-term agreements with Formula 1, while Bahrain also hosts preseason testing in February.
The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races were canceled this year because of the Iran war, while an additional race is scheduled to take place in Malaysia next month under the Bahrain Grand Prix name, according to the provided schedule.
The 2026 calendar also retains the Qatar Grand Prix on November 29 and the Abu Dhabi season finale on December 6, despite continued concerns over the security situation surrounding Middle Eastern races.
Bahrain had hosted the opening round of many recent Formula 1 seasons before its race date was changed in 2025 and 2026 because of its scheduling during Ramadan.
10 Sprint Races Scheduled for 2027
The 2027 Formula 1 season will feature an increase in sprint races, rising from six to 10, with a new sprint event added to the Monaco Grand Prix weekend.
Bahrain will also stage a historic first for the championship, with a sprint race taking place during the season-opening weekend before the first Grand Prix race.
Formula 1 said weekends featuring sprint races recorded 12% higher viewership compared with race weekends without sprint events.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said the increase in sprint races would provide fans with more action and competition throughout race weekends.
Portugal and Turkey Return to the Calendar
The Portuguese Grand Prix will return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2027 for the first time since 2021.
The Portimao circuit will host the Portuguese round in June, replacing the Dutch Grand Prix on the new schedule.
The Turkish Grand Prix will also return in October 2027 after a five-year agreement was signed in April.
Meanwhile, the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit will leave the Formula 1 calendar for the first time since 1990 after the Spanish Grand Prix moves to Madrid.
Barcelona is expected to host its race on a rotating basis with Belgium, with the circuit scheduled to return to the calendar in 2028.
Middle Eastern Races Remain Under Scrutiny
Despite ongoing security concerns, the announced 2027 calendar does not indicate a relocation or cancellation of the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix.
Middle Eastern races have significant economic importance for Formula 1 and its teams, with substantial hosting fees and major regional commercial partnerships contributing to their position on the calendar.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has emphasized that the safety of drivers, teams and personnel remains a top priority, stressing that no member of the championship should be placed at risk.
The 2027 Formula 1 season is scheduled to begin in Bahrain in March.
When will the 2027 Formula 1 season begin?
The 2027 season will begin in Bahrain in March, with the Bahrain Grand Prix serving as the opening round.
How many races are on the 2027 Formula 1 calendar?
The 2027 calendar consists of 24 races.
How many sprint races will there be in 2027?
The number of sprint races will increase from six to 10.
Which countries are returning to the Formula 1 calendar in 2027?
Portugal and Turkey are returning to the calendar.
Will Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain on the 2027 calendar?
The announced schedule includes both Qatar and Abu Dhabi toward the end of the season.
