MORE RACING, MORE SPECTACLE: ABU DHABI TO HOST F1 SPRINT IN 2027

(MENAFN- Mid-East Info) Abu Dhabi, UAE, September 2026: The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will host a Sprint race for the first time in 2027, organisers Ethara Live have confirmed following the release of next year's F1's calendar. Borderless Finance. AI-Native.

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The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will once again serve as the season finale, taking place from December 9-12, 2027, with the Sprint race being a part of the event programme for the first time. The race is contested over 100km with no mandatory pit stops and will take place on Saturday with eight championship points on offer to the winner.

Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, CEO of Ethara:“Every year we grow and evolve the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and we're delighted to have reached an agreement with Formula 1 to bring the F1 Sprint to our event. This increasingly popular format would draw more fans to Abu Dhabi, strengthen the event's position on the global calendar and bring more returns for the emirate's economy and the Abu Dhabi destination brand.”

The addition of the Sprint race to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is driven by the promoter and Formula 1's ambition to innovate and add more incredible racing and entertainment for fans attending live events and watching worldwide. Sprint event increases the total number of points available in Abu Dhabi, meaning higher stakes and more to race for at Yas Marina Circuit.

David Powell, Chief Portfolio & Strategy Officer at Ethara:” We're raising the bar on the fan experience and delivering more value to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders. With more competitive racing on the track, unparalleled entertainment programme – Yasalam and compelling destination experiences all included in the ticket Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will offer an unbeatable package worthy of the F1 season finale”.

The Sprint format, first introduced in 2021, has proven popular with F1 fans. In 2027, Yas Marina Circuit will be among 10 venues that will feature one. Tracks chosen for Sprint events have high overtaking potential, encouraging flat-out, aggressive racing over the 30 minutes it takes to complete the 100km race.

The addition of the Sprint means competitive F1 racing in Abu Dhabi will start on Friday, with Sprint qualifiers replacing Free Practice 2 (FP2) and the Sprint event itself replacing FP3 on Saturday, before qualifying for the Grand Prix itself happens as always later that day, setting up the grid for the final race of the season on Sunday.

The expanded 2027 schedule will further enhance the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix programme and fan experience, which every year features several support races, spectacular end-of-season celebrations, and renowned Yasalam presented by e& entertainment programme, with global music stars performing on the circuit and across multiple venues on Yas Island.

Meanwhile the preparations are underway for the 2026 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from 3-6 December. With ticket availability now limited, fans are encouraged to secure their spot without delay at abudhabigp.

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