Formula 1 has unveiled the lineup of Sprint events for the 2026 season, confirming six races with a mix of returning hosts and new additions. Canada, the Netherlands, and Singapore will each stage their first-ever Sprint weekends, while China and Miami retain their slots and Silverstone returns to the format for the first time since the concept’s debut in 2021.
The 2026 Sprint calendar is as follows:
March 13–15: Chinese Grand Prix (Shanghai)
May 1–3: Miami Grand Prix
May 22–24: Canadian Grand Prix (Montréal)
July 3–5: British Grand Prix (Silverstone)
August 21–23: Dutch Grand Prix (Zandvoort)
October 9–11: Singapore Grand Prix
Sprint weekends feature a 100km race on Saturday and a separate qualifying session on Friday to set the Sprint grid, giving fans competitive action across all three days. The format, introduced in 2021, has been credited with boosting live TV viewership by an average of 10% compared to standard race weekends, according to Formula 1.
New Venues, Shifting Schedule
The addition of Canada, Zandvoort, and Singapore means that Belgium, Austin, Brazil, and Qatar will not host Sprint races in 2026. Zandvoort’s Sprint will be particularly notable as it coincides with the final Dutch Grand Prix before the circuit exits the calendar beyond 2026. Singapore’s Sprint is expected to run as a twilight race on Saturday, setting the stage for its traditional night qualifying session.
Silverstone, the site of the very first Sprint in 2021, also returns, ensuring one of Formula 1’s most historic circuits is once again part of the condensed weekend format.
Popularity and Growth
Formula 1 cites strong momentum for the Sprint format, pointing to significant viewership spikes in 2024 and 2025. Lewis Hamilton’s maiden Ferrari win at the Shanghai Sprint produced an 84% live TV audience increase across the sport’s top 15 markets, while Lando Norris’ Miami Sprint win in 2025 drew 26.6 million viewers, an 18% year-over-year rise. In Belgium, Max Verstappen’s Sprint victory generated sharp growth in both traditional and emerging markets, with notable increases in Germany (+40%), France (+42%), China (+182%), and Argentina (+9%).
The commercial success has also attracted partners, with Gatorade signing on as the Official Partner of F1 Sprint in 2025, highlighting the format’s growing sponsorship appeal.
F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali praised the format’s continued success and hinted at further evolution.
“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, Sprint events offer more action each day for our fans, broadcast partners, and promoters. 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.”
He also confirmed that discussions are ongoing about expanding the number of Sprint races to as many as 12 in 2027, with potential tweaks to the format under consideration. Proposals such as reverse grids have previously failed to gain traction but remain part of ongoing conversations with teams.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized the governing body’s support:
“The Sprint format has become an increasingly exciting part of the FIA Formula One World Championship, delivering high-intensity racing and added entertainment for fans worldwide. As we look ahead to a landmark 2026 season featuring a new generation of cars and regulations, I’m pleased to see the Sprint evolving alongside our broader ambitions for the sport.”
The Bigger Picture
The 2026 season will be a turning point for Formula 1, with sweeping regulation changes introducing hybrid power units that derive half their energy from batteries and the other half from sustainable fuels. Practice sessions will also be reduced, with just one one-hour session on Fridays before qualifying and Sprint action take over.