Formula 1 and the FIA have announced the locations for the six sprint race weekends in the 2026 Formula 1 Sprint Calendar, marking another step in the evolution of the sport’s weekend format. These sprint events will take place throughout the season, delivering fans more intense racing moments by changing the usual structure to include fewer practice sessions and additional qualifying and race sessions across Friday and Saturday.
Returning Classics and Fresh Additions to the Sprint Lineup
The Chinese Grand Prix and Miami Grand Prix will continue hosting sprint races for the third year running, while Silverstone reenters the sprint schedule for the first time since the British Grand Prix introduced the format in 2021. Alongside these familiar venues, three new venues will join the sprint roster: the Canadian, Dutch, and Singapore Grands Prix.
Montreal will showcase its inaugural sprint race during the same weekend as the IndyCar Indy 500, adding a unique twist to a high-profile motorsport weekend. The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort will feature a sprint race in what is set to be its concluding year on the F1 calendar before the event contract ends. Singapore’s Marina Bay Circuit, well-known for its demanding street layout and traditionally the longest Grand Prix weekend, will present a fascinating challenge under the sprint format.
Positive Outlook from FIA and F1 Leadership
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem praised the sprint format for enhancing race weekends globally, emphasizing its growing popularity and excitement. He noted the 2026 season would be landmark due to new cars and regulations, and that the sprint format would evolve in alignment with these broader goals.
“The Sprint format has become an increasingly exciting part of the FIA Formula 1 world championship, delivering high-intensity racing and added entertainment for fans around the world,” said FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
“As we look ahead to a landmark 2026 season featuring a new generation of cars and regulations, Iâm pleased to see the Sprint evolving alongside our broader ambitions for the sport. The inclusion of new venues alongside returning favourites reflects the continued enthusiasm from promoters, teams and fans alike. We will continue to work closely with FOM, the teams, our officials, and the drivers to ensure the Sprint format enhances the championship.” – Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President
F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali underlined the increased engagement and excitement brought by sprint races since their introduction in 2021. He highlighted the benefits for fans, broadcast partners, and event promoters, noting that more competitive sessions create a richer experience across race weekends.
“The F1 Sprint has continued to grow in positive impact and popularity since it was introduced in 2021. With four competitive sessions rather than two during a conventional Grand Prix weekend, F1 Sprint events offer more action each day for our fans, broadcast partners, and for the promoters – driving increased attendance and viewership,” said Stefano Domenicali.
“Weâre also proud to have welcomed Gatorade as an Official Partner of F1 Sprint, demonstrating the huge interest in the event from an iconic global brand. The 2026 season will usher in a new era of regulations, so having three new Sprint venues will only add to the drama on track. I want to thank the FIA, all the promoters, our partners, marshals, volunteers, and local sporting clubs for continuing to make the Sprint a big success and we all look forward to giving our fans more incredible racing and excitement in the 2026 season.” – Stefano Domenicali, F1 President and CEO
What the Sprint Format Brings to the 2026 Season
The sprint format modifies traditional weekend scheduling by reducing two practice sessions and introducing a qualifying session on Friday evening followed by a sprint race on Saturday morning. This restructuring delivers extra competitive action and fresh entertainment value for spectators and television audiences worldwide.
With 24 scheduled events in total, sprint weekends will represent a significant portion of the 2026 calendar, covering five continents and incorporating new circuits alongside classic venues. By combining the sprint format with upcoming technical changes and new car regulations, the season promises elevated competition, unpredictability, and fan engagement.
Broader Impact and Next Steps
The introduction of new sprint race locations alongside established sites reflects a strong response from promoters, teams, and fans to this innovative weekend setup. The format’s success so far indicates it will play a crucial role in enhancing both the spectacle and commercial appeal of Formula 1 in the future.
The upcoming season will test the versatility of teams and drivers under the sprint format, potentially shifting championship dynamics as competitors adapt to additional racing intensity. Furthermore, partnerships like Gatorade’s involvement signal growing commercial interest in sprint events, potentially leading to further expansion or refinement of the format beyond 2026.
