First-ever 'F1 Sprint' held at the FORMULA 1 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX

A New F1 Week Arrives at the 2027 FORMULA 1 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX

The 2027 FORMULA 1 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX will be held at Suzuka Circuit from Friday, April 9 to Sunday, April 11. The biggest highlight is the first-ever implementation of the F1 Sprint in the history of the Japanese Grand Prix. A short-distance race on Saturday will be added to the race week, which has so far been structured with the Sunday final as the pinnacle. The tension of competition will rise from Friday, creating clear highlights for each of the three days.

What is the 'F1 Sprint'?

The F1 Sprint is a short-distance race of about 100 km and approximately 30 minutes, held separately from the regular Grand Prix final. While the usual final covers about 290 km, the Sprint is roughly one-third of that distance. There are no mandatory pit stops, and championship points are awarded to the top 8 finishers. Because positions and points are contested over a short distance, battles for position tend to surface immediately after the start. The Sprint’s unique appeal lies in the different developments and results that can emerge compared to the final race.

What Changes Compared to a Normal Weekend

In a normal Grand Prix weekend, there are three free practice sessions, qualifying, and the race. On the other hand, the 2027 FORMULA 1 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX with the sprint race will follow this schedule: on Friday, "Free Practice 1" and "Sprint Qualifying"; on Saturday, the "F1 Sprint" and "Grand Prix Qualifying"; and on Sunday, the "Grand Prix (Final Race)". In other words, the race week is structured so you can enjoy "two qualifying sessions" and "two races" in one weekend. Since there is only one free practice session, teams and drivers will also need the judgment to prepare the car in a short time.

Serious Time Attack Starting from Friday

During a sprint weekend, qualifying to determine the starting grid for the sprint takes place on Friday. Instead of the usual time for gathering running data, a time attack to compete for positions begins. For local fans, being able to watch a session where results are decided from the very first day greatly changes how they experience the race week. The big difference is that Friday can be enjoyed not as a preparation day, but as the first day of competition.

Enjoy Both the Race and Qualifying in One Day on Saturday

On Saturday, the sprint race takes place, followed by the qualifying session that determines the starting grid for Sunday’s final. After experiencing the start of the short-distance race, the close position battles, and the lingering excitement of the checkered flag, the atmosphere shifts to a time attack for the Grand Prix pole position.

The Appeal of Sprint Racing at Suzuka

Suzuka Circuit is a track that condenses sections with distinct characteristics into one lap, including the consecutive S-curves, Degner Curve, hairpin, Spoon Curve, and 130R. In the sprint, where setup must be finalized within limited running time and positions are fiercely contested in a short race, the responsiveness of drivers and teams becomes more visible than ever. From Friday to Sunday, watching how the same car and driver build up their speed reveals a continuous new story unfolding over the three days.

All Three Days Are Unmissable

The 2027 Japanese GP is not a weekend spent just waiting for Sunday’s final. Friday features the sprint qualifying, Saturday has the sprint race and the Grand Prix qualifying, and Sunday is the final. Every day includes sessions that directly affect positions and points. For first-time spectators, the stakes are easy to understand, while longtime fans get a deeper look into team preparations, strategies, and adaptability. At Suzuka, hosting its first sprint event, a more intense FORMULA 1 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX than ever before begins.