Formula 1 has officially confirmed the six Grand Prix venues that will host Sprint weekends in the 2026 season, including three brand new locations. The announcement brings both familiar favourites back and new host circuits into the Sprint format fold.
What’s New in 2026?
Sprint weekends will take place in Shanghai (China) and Miami (US) for the second year in a row, while Silverstone returns to the Sprint calendar for the first time since 2021. Meanwhile, Montréal (Canada), Zandvoort (Netherlands), and Singapore will each host an F1 Sprint for the very first time.
These additions mean that Belgium, Austin, Brazil, and Qatar will no longer feature Sprint weekends in 2026.
The 2026 F1 Sprint Calendar
Here are the confirmed Sprint weekends for 2026:
13-15 March Shanghai, China
1-3 May Miami, US
22-24 May Montreal, Canada
3-5 July Silverstone, UK
21-23 August Zandvoort, Netherlands
09-11 October Marina Bay, Singapore
Why the Change?
Formula 1 says Sprint weekends have consistently boosted viewership and fan engagement, with 2024’s Sprint events drawing around 10% more viewers than traditional race weekends.
By adding Montréal, Zandvoort and Singapore to the 2026 line-up, F1 aims to broaden the format’s global appeal and bring the high-intensity 100-kilometre races to new audiences. These tracks offer a mix of high-speed corners, tight street layouts and unpredictable conditions, promising fresh drama and strategic intrigue.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali noted that the Sprint format has become “increasingly popular since it was introduced in 2021” and believes adding three new venues in 2026 will make the format “even more compelling.”
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem added that the Sprint format has increased the excitement of the championship, saying: “With the new regulations coming into force in 2026, the Sprint will also evolve. The addition of new circuits reflects the sport’s growing popularity around the world.”
What Fans Need to Know
Sprints are 100km races held on Saturday, with a separate qualifying session on Friday to set the grid for the Sprint.
The top eight finishers in the Sprint earn points.
The format has been independent since 2023: practice, qualifying, Sprint, then the Grand Prix, offering more competitive content across the weekend.
To date, 20 Sprint races have been held, with Max Verstappen emerging as the most successful driver with 12 victories.
How do you feel about the newly confirmed 2026 Sprint venues? Which of these six are you most excited to see, and which do you think might cause surprises or problems? Let us know in the comments.
Cover photo by Scuderia Ferrari, Ferrari.
Recommend0 recommendationsPublished in Racing
0
