Formula 1 Reveals Six Sprint Races for 2026 with Updates
Formula 1 has confirmed six sprint races for the 2026 season, including new locations that promise to add excitement to the calendar.
Canada, the Netherlands, and Singapore join the sprint format, while China and Miami will continue to host these races. Silverstone also joins the list, marking its first sprint weekend since the introduction of the format in 2021.
Sprint weekends include an additional 100 km race on Saturday and an additional qualifying session on Friday to define the starting grid for the sprint race.
The number of practice sessions is reduced to a one-hour session, while the format for qualifying and the Grand Prix remains the same.
The inclusion of sprint races in Canada, Singapore, the Netherlands, and Great Britain implies the elimination of the format on race weekends in Belgium, Austin, Brazil, and Qatar next year.
Sprint race calendar for 2026:
March 13-15 – Chinese Grand Prix
May 1-3 – Miami Grand Prix
May 22-24 – Canadian Grand Prix
July 3-5 – British Grand Prix
August 21-23 – Dutch Grand Prix
October 9-11 – Singapore Grand Prix
Stefano Domenicali, CEO of F1, has mentioned the possibility of increasing the number of sprint races per season and modifying the format to make them more exciting. Different formats are being discussed with the teams to decide the direction to take.
Due to the significant changes in the regulations for 2026, the number of sprint races will remain at six, although up to 12 sprint races are being considered for 2027.
Changes to the sprint race format will also be discussed, including the possible introduction of reverse grids, although similar proposals have not gained the support of teams and drivers in the past.
F1 claims that sprint weekends result in a 10% increase in television viewership compared to normal race weekends with three practice sessions.
The sprint weekend at next year’s Dutch Grand Prix will be the last event at Zandvoort for the foreseeable future, after the circuit opted not to renew its contract with the competition beyond 2026.
The Singapore sprint race is expected to be a twilight race on Saturday, before the usual night qualifying session.
The F1 will introduce new regulations next year based on a power unit that derives half of its power from a battery, while the other half is provided by sustainable fuel.
