New F1 Sprint format set to bring more overtaking and excitement to Yas Marina.
Dubai: The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will feature a Formula 1 Sprint race for the first time, organisers Ethara Live have confirmed.
The announcement comes following the release of the 2027 Formula 1 calendar, with Yas Marina Circuit scheduled to host the season finale from December 9 to 12. The new Sprint will take place on Saturday and cover approximately 100km, with no mandatory pit stops. The winner will earn eight championship points, adding another competitive element to the Abu Dhabi race weekend.
Yas Marina will be among 10 circuits set to host an F1 Sprint in 2027
Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, CEO of Ethara, said the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix continues to grow and evolve each year, with the addition of the F1 Sprint marking another significant development for the event.
He said the increasingly popular format is expected to attract more fans to Abu Dhabi, strengthen the Grand Prix’s position on the global Formula 1 calendar and generate greater economic benefits for the emirate while further enhancing Abu Dhabi’s profile as an international destination.
Introduced in 2021, the Formula 1 Sprint format has become increasingly popular with fans by adding another competitive race to selected Grand Prix weekends.
Circuits chosen to host Sprint events typically offer strong overtaking opportunities, encouraging drivers to race aggressively during the approximately 100km contest, which lasts around 30 minutes.
How the weekend format will change
The introduction of the Sprint means competitive action at Yas Marina Circuit will begin as early as Friday.
Sprint qualifying will take the place of the second free practice session, while Saturday’s Sprint will replace the third practice session. Traditional Grand Prix qualifying will then take place later on Saturday to determine the starting grid for Sunday’s season-ending race.
David Powell, Chief Portfolio & Strategy Officer at Ethara, said the addition of more competitive racing is part of efforts to further enhance the experience for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders. He highlighted the combination of on-track action, the Yasalam entertainment programme and destination experiences included with tickets as key elements of the event’s offering.
Powell said the expanded programme would provide fans with greater value while reinforcing the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix’s status as the Formula 1 season finale.
2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix approaches
For now, attention turns to the 2026 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The 18th edition of the race is scheduled to take place from December 3 to 6.
Organisers say only limited tickets remain available for this year’s event. Fans can purchase tickets through the official Abu Dhabi Grand Prix website and can also pre-register there to receive updates when tickets for the 2027 race go on sale.
The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix attracted a record 339,000 spectators, highlighting the event’s growing popularity among local and international Formula 1 fans.
Grand Prix ticket holders also receive complimentary access to several of Abu Dhabi’s leading attractions, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena and Qasr Al Watan, extending the experience beyond the action at Yas Marina Circuit.
