Formula 1 Confirms 2026 Sprint Schedule With Zandvoort & Singapore Making Debut

Formula One is set to bring even more action to fans in 2026, with the sprint format expanding to include three brand-new venues. Zandvoort, Singapore and Montreal will all feature sprint races for the first time, adding variety to the calendar and intensifying the competition. With six events now scheduled, the sprint will continue its role as an integral part of the season. The announcement has sparked excitement as teams prepare to adapt to new rules and an evolving competitive landscape.

Three Circuits Added To Sprint Calendar

The governing body has confirmed that Zandvoort in the Netherlands, Singapore’s Marina Bay Street Circuit, and Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve will join the sprint calendar for 2026. This is the first time these venues will host the shorter-format Saturday race, giving fans in Europe, Asia and North America fresh opportunities to witness the spectacle.

Returning Hosts Retain Their Place

Alongside the new additions, some familiar tracks will continue their role in showcasing the format. Shanghai, which will kick off the sprint season at the Chinese Grand Prix from 13–15 March, and Miami, scheduled for 1–3 May, both return after successful runs. Canada follows shortly after from 22–24 May, with Silverstone holding its sprint from 3–5 July. Zandvoort will then take the spotlight in August, before Singapore closes the sprint series in October.

Structure Of A Sprint Weekend

Sprint weekends differ from traditional formats, offering more competitive action across all three days. Friday features the opening practice session followed by sprint qualifying, which decides the grid for Saturday’s sprint race. The sprint itself awards points from first place down to eighth, adding further significance to the outcome. Later on Saturday, regular qualifying sets the order for the main Grand Prix on Sunday, ensuring a packed weekend schedule.

Popularity Of The Sprint Format

Introduced in 2021, the sprint format has steadily gained traction among fans, broadcasters and promoters. The shorter race adds drama and unpredictability, while ensuring audiences have a reason to tune in each day. With extra sessions and competitive track time, circuits hosting sprints have also reported higher attendance. F1 executives have praised the format for boosting overall engagement and offering fans more value.

Impact Of 2026 Regulation Changes

The 2026 season will also coincide with the introduction of sweeping new regulations, adding another dimension to the sprint calendar. Teams will need to adapt to a fresh generation of cars, and early sprint races could provide clues as to who masters the changes fastest. The last major overhaul in 2022 saw Red Bull seize a decisive advantage, a reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift when technical rules evolve.

Sprint Format Beyond Formula One

The sprint concept is not unique to Formula One. MotoGP has adopted the format on a more consistent basis, staging a sprint at every round. The popularity across different motorsport series highlights the appetite for shorter, high-intensity races that can reshape a championship battle.

2026 Season Schedule And Opening Race

The 2026 Formula One campaign will officially begin with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on 8 March. Just one week later, the sprint season will start in Shanghai. With six sprint events spread across the calendar, fans can expect an even greater mix of strategy, speed and rivalry as teams balance the demands of two competitive sessions per weekend.