Formula 1 confirms its six Sprint venues for 2026

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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

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.