Formula 1 and the FIA have announced the six venues set to host F1 Sprint events during the 2026 season, marking the sixth year of the popular mad dash format.
The lineup includes three new Sprint locations, promising heightened excitement as the sport enters a new era of regulations.
F1’s Sprint action will kick off in Shanghai, followed by Miami, with both venues hosting Sprint weekends for the third consecutive year. Silverstone, returns to the short form lineup for the first time since hosting the format’s inaugural event in 2021.
Joining them are Montreal, Zandvoort, and Singapore, each set to host their first-ever Sprint weekend, adding fresh dynamics to the season.
Sprint Format’s Growing Appeal
The weekend’s schedule remains unchanged, with Sprint Qualifying taking place on Friday after Free Practice 1, the Sprint race and Grand Prix Qualifying on Saturday, and the Grand Prix on Sunday.
According to Formula 1, the format has proven a hit with fans, driving strong attendance and viewership across broadcast, digital, and social platforms.
In 2024, Sprint weekends saw an average 10% increase in TV viewership compared to non-Sprint weekends. The trend continued into 2025, with standout performances in the opening three Sprint events.
Lewis Hamilton’s first Ferrari win in the Shanghai Sprint drew an 84% increase in live TV audiences across Formula 1’s top 15 markets compared to the previous year.
Similarly, Lando Norris’ victory in the Miami Grand Prix Sprint attracted 26.6 million TV viewers, an 18% uptick from 2024.
The Belgian Sprint, won by Max Verstappen, also saw significant viewership gains, including a 182% surge in China, 40% in Germany, 42% in France, and 9% in Argentina compared to the 2024 European Sprint.
Domenicali’s Vision for 2026
F1 chief executive, Stefano Domenicali, expressed enthusiasm for the Sprint format’s impact and its role in the sport’s future.
“The F1 Sprint has continued to grow in positive impact and popularity since it was introduced in 2021,” he said.
“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 Formula 1 Calendar
| Country | Circuit | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | Melbourne | March 6-8 |
| 2 | China - S | Shanghai | March 13-15 |
| 3 | Japan | Suzuka | March 27-29 |
| 4 | Bahrain | Sakhir | April 10-12 |
| 5 | Saudi Arabia | Jeddah | April 17-19 |
| 6 | USA - S | Miami | May 1-3 |
| 7 | Canada - S | Montreal | May 22-24 |
| 8 | Monaco | Monaco | June 5-7 |
| 9 | Spain | Barcelona-Catalunya | June 12-14 |
| 10 | Austria | Spielberg | June 26-28 |
| 11 | United Kingdom - S | Silverstone | July 3-5 |
| 12 | Belgium | Spa-Francorchamps | July 17-19 |
| 13 | Hungary | Budapest | July 24-26 |
| 14 | Netherlands - S | Zandvoort | August 21-23 |
| 15 | Italy | Monza | September 4-6 |
| 16 | Spain | Madrid | September 11-13 |
| 17 | Azerbaijan | Baku | September 24-26 |
| 18 | Singapore - S | Singapore | October 9-11 |
| 19 | USA | Austin | October 23-25 |
| 20 | Mexico | Mexico City | October 30 - November 1 |
| 21 | Brazil | Sao Paulo | November 6-8 |
| 22 | USA | Las Vegas | November 19-21 |
| 23 | Qatar | Lusail | November 27-29 |
| 24 | Abu Dhabi | Yas Marina | December 4-6 |
S = Sprint Event
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook
