News18    •    4 min read

F1 Confirms Sprint Venues For 2026; Eyes Bigger Changes In 2027

WHAT'S THE STORY?

Formula 1 has confirmed the six venues that will host sprint races in 2026.

At the same time, discussions are underway about increasing the number of sprint weekends and changing the format from 2027.

Possible

AD

Changes in 2027

Alongside a potential increase in the number of sprints (speculated to be around 12) for 2027, the prospect of changing the sprint weekend format is also on the table.

Among a few of the proposals are:

  • A possible reverse grid element.
  • Fewer practice sessions, to make weekends more competitive.

However, none of these changes will come into effect in 2026. With new car and power unit rules already arriving that year, F1 has chosen not to add extra pressure on the teams.

What is a Sprint?

A sprint is a shorter race with its own qualifying session. It takes place on Saturday and adds extra action to the weekend. A regular Grand Prix weekend, by contrast, includes three practice sessions, qualifying, and the main race.

2026 F1 Sprint Calendar

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

Wider 2026 Schedule

The 2026 F1 calendar features 24 races in total, released earlier in June.

A new race in Madrid has been added, while Barcelona remains on the calendar for now. Barcelona’s contract expires after next season, but the track may rotate hosting duties in the future with Belgium, which has signed a deal to host four of the next six years.

Other countries — including Germany, Portugal, and Turkey — have also shown interest in rotation slots.

Meanwhile, F1 is also in talks to introduce a Bangkok Grand Prix in Thailand, potentially starting in 2028.

AD
More Stories You Might Enjoy