F1 Shakes Up 2027 Calendar With Major US Race Expansion

F1 Shakes Up 2027 Calendar With Major US Race Expansion...

The FIA has announced sweeping changes to the 2027 Formula 1 calendar, with three US races confirmed amid growing American interest in the sport. The revised schedule includes a new street circuit in Chicago joining existing events in Miami and Austin, marking the first time F1 will host three American Grands Prix in a single season.

Liberty Media, F1's American owners, confirmed the changes today following months of negotiations with city officials and local promoters. The Chicago race will debut in July 2027 along Lake Shore Drive, becoming the first Midwest host city since Detroit in 1988.

Industry analysts attribute the expansion to F1's surging US popularity, driven by Netflix's "Drive to Survive" series and successful recent events in Miami and Las Vegas. ESPN reported record US viewership for the 2026 season opener, with 2.1 million tuning in - a 38% increase over 2025.

Reactions have been mixed among racing purists who worry about calendar bloat, while Midwest fans celebrate the new Chicago event. The 2027 season will now feature 25 races total, up from 23 in 2026, with China returning after a seven-year absence.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson called the race "a transformative opportunity" for the city's economy. Local businesses near the proposed circuit have already reported increased inquiries about 2027 bookings, though some residents voiced concerns about traffic disruptions.

The calendar changes come as F1 prepares for major 2026 regulation changes aimed at closer racing. With three US races now locked in through 2030, America's influence on the global motorsport continues growing.