Formula One Expands Sprint Races to Montreal, Zandvoort, and Singapore in 2026

Formula One and the sport’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), have announced that Montreal, Zandvoort, and Singapore will host sprint races for the first time in 2026. This decision marks a significant expansion of the sprint format, which has gained popularity since its introduction. The addition of these venues brings the total number of locations featuring sprint races to five, joining Shanghai and Miami, which have hosted the events in the past two seasons, alongside Silverstone, which last featured a sprint in 2021.

The sprint format has proven to be a compelling aspect of the race weekend, providing fans with increased excitement. During a typical Grand Prix weekend, sprint qualifying occurs on Friday, following the first practice session. The sprint race takes place on Saturday, with qualifying for the main Grand Prix held later that day. Points are awarded to sprint race winners, with the top eight drivers earning points ranging from eight for first place to one for eighth.

The 2026 sprint season will commence at the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai from March 13-15. Following Shanghai, races will take place in Miami from May 1-3, Montreal from May 22-24, Silverstone from July 3-5, Zandvoort from August 21-23, and Singapore from October 9-11.

Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of F1, commented on the growing success of the sprint format. He stated, “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.”

As the sport approaches the 2026 season, it will introduce a new set of regulations that could alter the competitive landscape. The previous shift in technical rules in 2022 saw Red Bull and driver Max Verstappen gain a significant advantage over their competitors. This upcoming change adds a layer of intrigue regarding which teams will adapt best to the new generation of cars.

The sprint format’s success is not limited to Formula One; it has also been embraced by MotoGP, which features sprint races every weekend. The 2026 F1 season will officially begin at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 8, 2026. As the current season progresses, McLaren is currently dominating, with driver Oscar Piastri leading teammate Lando Norris by 31 points ahead of the 17th round of the 24-race season taking place in Azerbaijan this weekend.

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