F1 will continue its Sprint format in 2026 with six confirmed events, coinciding with the introduction of new technical regulations. Now entering its sixth year, the Sprint will feature at a mix of established and debut circuits, as F1 maintains its approach of offering competitive sessions on every day of selected Grand Prix weekends.
Six venues selected for 2026 Sprint Events
The 2026 season will begin with Sprint events in Shanghai (13 – 15 March) and Miami (1 – 3 May), both returning for the third consecutive year. Three new circuits will debut on the Sprint calendar: Montréal (22 – 24 May), Zandvoort (21 – 23 August), and Singapore (9 – 11 October). Additionally, Silverstone (3 – 5 July) returns for the first time since the inaugural Sprint was held there in 2021.
Sprinting round the world in 2026 💨
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 16, 2025
Announcing the six Grand Prix weekends which will feature #F1Sprint next season – including first-time trips to Canada, Netherlands and Singapore!#F1 pic.twitter.com/3KOhQ65jsQ
The F1 Sprint weekend includes competitive sessions on each day. Fridays consist of Free Practice 1 followed by Sprint Qualifying. Saturday includes the Sprint race and Grand Prix Qualifying, while Sunday remains reserved for the Grand Prix itself. The format is designed to reduce non-competitive sessions and add more on-track racing across the weekend.
Increases in viewership and audience reach
Data shared by Formula 1 indicates that Sprint weekends have shown higher TV viewership compared to non-Sprint weekends. In 2024, average viewership for Sprint events was 10% higher than traditional race weekends.
Following the first three Sprint events of the 2025 season, the trend of increased engagement has reportedly continued. For example, Lewis Hamilton’s Sprint win in Shanghai with Ferrari saw an 84% increase in live TV viewership across Formula 1’s top 15 markets compared to the previous year. The Miami Sprint, won by Lando Norris, attracted 26.6 million viewers — an 18% year-on-year increase. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen’s Sprint win in Belgium corresponded with viewership increases in several markets, including Germany (+40%), France (+42%), China (+182%), and Argentina (+9%).
GIven these numbers, the FIA and F1 may consider expanding the Sprint format in the coming years, potentially doubling the number of Sprint weekends by as early as 2027. This move would aim to boost competitiveness in the F1 championship and increase engagement among diverse audiences.
FIA endorses Sprint as part of long-term Championship strategy
The FIA has reaffirmed its support for the Sprint format as a core element of the Formula 1 World Championship. With the 2026 season set to introduce a new generation of power units and chassis regulations, the governing body views the evolution of the Sprint as aligned with the sport’s broader development goals. Fans, teams, and race promoters have welcomed the addition of new circuits to the Sprint calendar as a sign of ongoing engagement.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem highlighted the format’s growing relevance and the collaborative efforts underway to ensure it complements the championship:
“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 around the world. 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 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.”
F1 leadership highlights audience growth and commercial interest
F1 management has also expressed continued confidence in the Sprint format, citing increased viewership, fan engagement, and commercial interest as indicators of its success. The addition of three new venues for 2026 and a new sponsorship agreement with Gatorade suggest that the format is gaining traction not only with fans but also with global partners.
F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali emphasised the format’s ability to deliver more action across the weekend and attract new audiences:
“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. We’re 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.”
2026 marks a period of transition for F1
The upcoming season will mark a significant transition for F1. Alongside the continuation of the Sprint format, the sport will introduce new power unit regulations and a revised chassis specification. The Sprint’s ongoing role within the calendar suggests that it will continue to be a key feature of Formula 1’s race weekend offering.
The inclusion of three new venues, combined with reported audience growth and new commercial backing — including a partnership with Gatorade as Official Partner of F1 Sprint — indicates a continued commitment to the format as part of Formula 1’s long-term strategy.
The FIA has published further details, including the official start times for all 2026 Grands Prix, on official Formula 1 and FIA platforms.
2026 Formula 1 official start times ⬇️
— FIA (@fia) September 16, 2025
#FIA #F1 pic.twitter.com/MMBfUTLCxr
