The 2027 F1 Season: Everything You Need to Know Before Buying Tickets

Daniel GlancyApril 8, 2026 · 11 min read · Updated July 17, 2026

Nine races into the 2026 Formula 1 season and it is already one for the ages. A teenage Italian is running away with the drivers' championship. A four-time world champion has just seen his contract exit clause triggered. And two beloved circuits are preparing to return to the calendar for the first time since 2021. While the 2026 title fight is still very much alive, serious F1 fans are already asking the same question: what does the 2027 season look like, and where should I be booking my tickets?

The answer, as ever, is complicated, exciting, and worth planning for early. Here is everything we know so far.

The 2026 Story That Will Define the 2027 Grid

You cannot talk about 2027 without first understanding what is happening right now. After nine rounds of the 2026 season, Kimi Antonelli leads the drivers' championship with 179 points, 25 clear of his Mercedes team-mate George Russell. The 19-year-old Italian, in only his second season of Formula 1, has five race wins and seven podiums to his name and is driving with a composure that has silenced even the most vocal sceptics. Mercedes lead the constructors' championship with 333 points, 78 clear of Ferrari.

Charles Leclerc delivered a brilliant win at Silverstone for the most recent race, and in June 2026 signed a new multi-year deal with Ferrari, ending months of speculation about his future. Lewis Hamilton, in his second season at the Scuderia, sits third in the standings and has confirmed he intends to exercise his option to continue into 2027. That particular storyline, Hamilton racing in red on home soil, is shaping up to be one of 2027's biggest talking points.

Verstappen: The Biggest Question in Motorsport

The most seismic subplot of the entire season is Max Verstappen's future. The four-time world champion is officially contracted to Red Bull through to the end of 2028, but his deal contains a performance-related exit clause. The clause allows Verstappen to leave if he is not within the top two in the drivers' championship by the summer break. Following his retirement at Silverstone, that threshold has now become mathematically impossible to meet.

Verstappen's agent, Raymond Vermeulen, has publicly confirmed the clause exists. Reports suggest McLaren negotiations are in their closing stages, though nothing has been signed. Toto Wolff has ruled Mercedes out of the running, citing the multi-year commitments already made to Russell and Antonelli. Wherever Verstappen ends up, the outcome will redraw the competitive landscape for 2027 entirely.

The 2027 driver market is the most open it has been in a decade. Verstappen's next move will not just change one team. It will change every team.

The 2027 F1 Calendar: What We Know

The official 2027 Formula 1 calendar has not yet been confirmed as of mid-July 2026. Formula 1 typically reveals the following season's schedule in the summer, and based on previous years we expect an announcement around the same time as the 2026 calendar was confirmed in June 2025. What we do know, based on existing circuit contracts and confirmed deals, paints a very clear picture.

Twenty-four races are expected, matching the scale of the 2026 season. The provisional schedule points to a Bahrain Grand Prix season opener around 14 March, with Ramadan running from 7 February to 8 March, clearing the way for the traditional Middle East double-header. Saudi Arabia would follow a week later, before the calendar moves through Australia, China, and Japan in April.

Who Is Leaving and Who Is Coming Back

The biggest calendar change is the departure of the Dutch Grand Prix. Zandvoort's contract expired at the end of 2026 and the event will not continue. It has been a passionate crowd and a brilliant venue, but the commercial realities of a 24-race season are unforgiving, and the Dutch GP could not secure a new deal.

Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is also absent for one year. The circuit has moved to a rotational deal with Spa-Francorchamps, meaning Barcelona will alternate with Belgium going forward. Barcelona returns in 2028. The Spanish Grand Prix in 2027 will instead be held at the MADRING circuit in Madrid.

In their place come two genuinely welcome returnees. Portugal is back at the Algarve International Circuit on a two-year deal announced in December 2025, slotting in around 13 June. And Turkey returns to Istanbul Park on a five-year deal confirmed in April 2026, expected to race in late September alongside the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Provisional 2027 Race Calendar at a Glance

~14 March Bahrain Grand Prix, Bahrain International Circuit
~21 March Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Jeddah Corniche Circuit
~4 April Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park
~11 April Chinese Grand Prix, Shanghai International Circuit
~18 April Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka
~2 May Miami Grand Prix, Miami International Autodrome
~23 May Canadian Grand Prix, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
6 June Monaco Grand Prix, Circuit de Monaco (confirmed)
~13 June Portuguese Grand Prix, Algarve International Circuit (RETURNING)
~27 June Austrian Grand Prix, Red Bull Ring
~4 July British Grand Prix, Silverstone
~18 July Belgian Grand Prix, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
~25 July Hungarian Grand Prix, Hungaroring
~29 August Spanish Grand Prix, MADRING, Madrid
~5 September Italian Grand Prix, Monza
~19 September Turkish Grand Prix, Istanbul Park (RETURNING)
~26 September Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Baku City Circuit
~10 October Singapore Grand Prix, Marina Bay Street Circuit
~24 October United States Grand Prix, Circuit of The Americas
~31 October Mexico City Grand Prix, Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
~7 November Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Interlagos
~20 November Las Vegas Grand Prix, Las Vegas Strip Circuit
~28 November Qatar Grand Prix, Lusail Circuit
~5 December Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit

All dates above are provisional based on current circuit contracts and the expected calendar structure. The official announcement from Formula 1 is expected before the end of the summer.

What Is Changing in the 2027 Regulations

Unlike 2026, which brought a wholesale revolution in both chassis and power unit regulations, 2027 is a year of refinement rather than reinvention. The FIA and Formula 1 have agreed a targeted set of changes designed to address some of the criticisms levelled at the 2026 technical package.

Power Unit Rebalancing

The most significant adjustment concerns the power unit. One of the loudest complaints from drivers in 2026 has been the degree of energy management demanded by the current hybrid system, which tripled the electrical contribution compared to the previous generation of cars. For 2027, the FIA has approved a 5 per cent increase in fuel flow, raising the internal combustion engine's output from 400kW to 420kW. This shifts the balance back slightly toward the combustion engine without requiring major hardware changes from manufacturers.

The change has been unanimously agreed by all power unit suppliers and is designed to reduce the energy-saving phases that have frustrated drivers and fans alike. In plain terms, expect more sustained racing and fewer moments where drivers are coasting to preserve their battery deployment.

Aerodynamics, Testing and Sprints

Minor adjustments to aerodynamic and bodywork components have also been ratified, following on from the introduction of the all-new 2026 cars. These are tweaks rather than transformations, and teams will not face the kind of development reset they experienced a year ago.

Pre-season testing has been extended from three to four days, a sensible acknowledgement that the current generation of cars remains complex to set up and that teams benefit from more time to understand them before the season begins.

The Sprint format continues in 2027. Six Sprint weekends have been the standard since 2023, but Formula 1 bosses have made no secret of their desire to push that number towards ten in the near future. Whether that happens in 2027 specifically is not yet confirmed, but Sprint ticket buyers should be aware that the number of qualifying weekends may increase.

The 2027 Driver Market: Confirmed, Likely and Pure Speculation

The full 2027 driver lineup will not be confirmed until later in the year, but here is the clearest picture we have right now.

Confirmed or Very Likely

McLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are both tied to long-term contracts. Barring the Verstappen speculation, this looks settled.
Ferrari: Charles Leclerc signed a new multi-year deal in June 2026. Lewis Hamilton has indicated he will exercise his option to continue. Both should be in red.
Mercedes: George Russell and Kimi Antonelli both signed multi-year extensions for 2026. The exact end dates are undisclosed, but both are expected to remain.
Williams: Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz hold multi-year contracts.
Audi: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto are on multi-year deals. Exact length undisclosed.
Alpine: Pierre Gasly is contracted to the team through to the end of 2028. His team-mate is unknown.
Cadillac: Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez signed multi-year deals when they joined for 2026.

The Big Unknowns

Max Verstappen: His exit clause has now been triggered. McLaren are reportedly the frontrunners. His decision will reshape the grid.
Red Bull second seat: Isack Hadjar is there for 2026 but Red Bull's junior structure means nothing is guaranteed beyond this season.
Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso is out of contract at the end of 2026. The two-time champion has not confirmed his plans. Lance Stroll continues on a de facto rolling arrangement.
Haas: Both Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman are out of contract after 2026. Both seats are open.
Racing Bulls: Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad are contracted only for 2026. The second Red Bull team's lineup is wide open.

Where to Watch in 2027: Our Grandstand Picks

Planning a trip to a grand prix is about far more than just buying a ticket. Picking the right grandstand, at the right circuit, at the right point in the season can make the difference between a good weekend and an unforgettable one. Here are our honest recommendations.

British Grand Prix, Silverstone (~4 July 2027)

The British Grand Prix is the benchmark experience. The 2026 edition broke attendance records, and 2027 will be just as in demand. Hamilton at Ferrari, racing on home soil for the third consecutive year, Antonelli chasing a title, and the best atmosphere in the sport. Tickets are expected to go on sale towards the end of summer 2026, so register your interest now.

For grandstand choice, the Hangar Straight grandstand delivers blistering top-speed passes and a lively BOXPARK atmosphere on your doorstep. If you want the most dramatic action, Copse is where cars are at their fastest and most committed, though views from there depend heavily on your position in the stand. For a view of multiple corners in a single sightline, Vale or Woodcote are strong choices and tend to offer better value than the premium front-straight seats.

Monaco Grand Prix, Circuit de Monaco (6 June 2027)

Monaco is confirmed for 6 June 2027. It remains the smallest capacity circuit on the calendar, which means tickets sell out faster than anywhere else on the schedule. F1 Experiences is already selling 2027 Monaco packages. If you are considering it, do not wait for the official ticket window. The Grandstand K at the harbour section and the Tribune B overlooking the Swimming Pool complex are perennially the most atmospheric spots, where the cars brush the barriers and the crowds lean over almost close enough to touch.

Belgian Grand Prix, Spa-Francorchamps (~18 July 2027)

Spa alternates with Barcelona from 2027, so this is the year to go. The circuit is the longest on the calendar at 7km and offers extraordinary natural terrain for spectators. The Gold 2 grandstand at Raidillon gives you the full horror and beauty of Eau Rouge from the perfect angle. If you prefer a more relaxed setting with a view across multiple sectors, the Village camping areas offer exceptional value and an all-weekend atmosphere that no grandstand can quite replicate.

Portuguese Grand Prix, Algarve International Circuit (~13 June 2027)

Portugal returns after a six-year absence and, frankly, it deserves a full audience. The Algarve circuit near Portimao is a spectacular, flowing track with natural amphitheatre sections that make it ideal for spectators. It last raced in 2021 and was widely praised as one of the best circuits the modern calendar has visited. June in the Algarve also means reliable sunshine and a more relaxed pace than the northern European flyaway rounds. This is our wildcard pick of the year.

Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka (~18 April 2027)

Suzuka is the circuit that separates the genuine enthusiasts from the casual fans. The figure-of-eight layout, the compression through Spoon, the commitment required through 130R, there is nowhere else like it. The 130R grandstand is the single best seat in F1 for watching cars at their absolute limit. F1 Experiences is already selling 2027 Japanese Grand Prix packages. Book early; these sell before any domestic ticket window opens.

When Do 2027 F1 Tickets Go on Sale?

Timing your ticket purchase matters enormously. As a general rule, circuits do not put following-year tickets on sale before their current year race has taken place. The Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring has historically been the first venue to open sales for the following season, usually in early July.

Singapore and Abu Dhabi also tend to open early-bird windows shortly after their respective 2026 races. Canada and Hungary have historically followed suit quickly after their events too.

If you want to lock in a 2027 package before any of those windows open, F1 Experiences, Formula 1's official ticket package partner, is already selling 2027 packages for Bahrain, China, Japan and Monaco. These are deposit-based bookings and represent the earliest legitimate way to secure your place at those events.

British Grand Prix 2027 tickets are expected to go on sale towards the end of summer 2026. Given the record crowds at Silverstone this year, demand will be exceptional. Set a reminder now.

The Bottom Line: Why 2027 Is a Season Worth Planning For Now

The 2027 Formula 1 season has the ingredients of something genuinely special. A defending champion in Kimi Antonelli who, if he wins this year's title, will arrive in 2027 as the hunted rather than the hunter. A Verstappen situation that could send the four-time champion to McLaren, Ferrari or anywhere in between. Two beloved circuits returning to the calendar. Regulation tweaks designed to make the racing more physical and less energy-management driven. And a ticket market that is only going to get more competitive as the sport's popularity continues to grow.

At Trackside Seats, we will be tracking every confirmed date, every ticket window and every grandstand recommendation as the 2027 calendar takes shape. Do not leave it until January. The best seats are gone long before the new year.