Bahrain Poised to Oust Australia as 2027 Formula 1 Season Opener

The Australian Grand Prix is widely expected to lose its prestigious position as the opening round of the 2027 Formula 1 world championship, PlanetF1 reports. Based on recent schedule projections Bahrain is primed to reclaim the first slot on the racing calendar.

Melbourne has successfully launched the motorsport season for the past two years. Prior to the global disruptions of 2020 the Albert Park circuit was the traditional home of the opening weekend and hosted the first race almost uninterrupted between 1995 and 2019.

Ramadan and logistical shifts

The early structure of the 2027 campaign is being dictated by a complex mix of logistical requirements, binding contract clauses and the timing of Ramadan. With the Islamic holy month scheduled to conclude on 7 March series organisers have a clear window to position Bahrain as the inaugural race on 14 March. This move makes perfect logistical sense as it seamlessly follows pre-season winter testing in the Gulf state.

Under this proposed framework Saudi Arabia will host the second round on 21 March. Because Australia is contractually guaranteed to host one of the first three events a 4 April date in Melbourne is highly probable. This placement would effectively kick off a three-race Asian leg before the paddock moves on to China and Japan.

A locked 24-race schedule

The broader 2027 calendar is also coming into sharper focus following confirmation that Turkey will officially rejoin the sport next year. Motorsport executives have secured a five-year agreement that effectively locks down all 24 available slots on the packed F1 schedule.

While the exact dates are yet to be formally ratified by the FIA industry experts suggest the Istanbul event will take place in September. This late-summer slot allows Turkey to act as a convenient geographical bridge out of Europe before the teams embark on long-haul flights to Azerbaijan and Singapore. Furthermore Portugal is heavily tipped to make a return to the series as a direct replacement for the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.

Projected 2027 Formula 1 calendar

While the official schedule remains a work in progress the established cadence of recent years provides a highly accurate forecast for the upcoming season.

From economics and politics to business, technology and culture, Kursiv Uzbekistan brings you key news and in-depth analysis from Uzbekistan and around the world. To stay up to date and get the latest stories in real time, follow our Telegram channel.