Formula 1 News: 2026 Sprint Race Calendar announced

The 2026 Formula 1 season will usher in a new era of regulations while continuing to embrace the thrilling Sprint format for its sixth consecutive year. The FIA and Formula 1 have announced six Sprint weekends for 2026, featuring a mix of returning favorites and new venues, alongside the official start times for all Grands Prix, available [here].

The season’s Sprint calendar kicks off in Shanghai (March 13-15), followed by Miami (May 1-3), both hosting Sprint weekends for the third straight year. Silverstone (July 3-5) makes a triumphant return to the Sprint lineup for the first time since the format’s debut in 2021. Meanwhile, Montréal (May 22-24), Zandvoort (August 21-23), and Singapore (October 9-11) will host their inaugural Sprint events, promising fresh excitement for fans worldwide.

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2026 F1 Sprint Calendar

– March 13-15: China – Shanghai
– May 1-3: USA – Miami
– May 22-24: Canada – Montréal
– July 3-5: Great Britain – Silverstone
– August 21-23: Netherlands – Zandvoort
– October 9-11: Singapore – Singapore

The Sprint format, a fan favorite since its introduction in 2021, delivers action-packed racing across all three days of a Grand Prix weekend. Friday features Free Practice 1 and Sprint Qualifying, Saturday hosts the Sprint race and Grand Prix Qualifying, and Sunday culminates with the main Grand Prix.

This structure has driven significant fan engagement, with 2024 Sprint weekends averaging 10% higher TV viewership than non-Sprint events. The 2025 season’s opening Sprints further underscored this trend: Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari victory in Shanghai saw an 84% surge in live TV audiences across Formula 1’s top 15 markets, while Lando Norris’ Miami Sprint win drew 26.6 million viewers, an 18% increase from the previous year.

Max Verstappen’s 2025 Belgium Sprint victory also boosted viewership, with notable spikes in Germany (+40%), France (+42%), China (+182%), and Argentina (+9%) compared to the 2024 European Sprint.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem highlighted the format’s growing appeal: “The Sprint has become an exciting cornerstone of the FIA Formula One World Championship, offering high-intensity racing and enhanced entertainment for fans globally. As we head into the transformative 2026 season with new cars and regulations, the inclusion of new and returning Sprint venues reflects the enthusiasm of promoters, teams, and fans. We’ll continue collaborating with Formula 1, teams, officials, and drivers to ensure the Sprint elevates the championship.”

Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali echoed this sentiment: “The F1 Sprint’s positive impact and popularity have grown steadily since 2021. With four competitive sessions instead of two, Sprint weekends deliver more action for fans, broadcasters, and promoters, driving higher attendance and viewership. We’re thrilled to welcome Gatorade as an Official Partner of F1 Sprint, showcasing the event’s appeal to iconic global brands. With three new Sprint venues and new regulations in 2026, the drama on track will be electric. My thanks go to the FIA, promoters, partners, marshals, volunteers, and local sporting communities for making the Sprint a resounding success.”

As Formula 1 gears up for a landmark 2026 season, the expanded Sprint calendar and new regulations promise to deliver unparalleled excitement for fans, teams, and stakeholders alike.

2026 Race Start Times