Formula One is gearing up for an action-packed 2026 season, and they’ve just announced the six thrilling venues that will host the F1 Sprint events. Among them are three brand-new spots, promising even more excitement for racing fans worldwide.
The 2026 FIA F1 World Championship kicks off a fresh era with updated regulations and marks the sixth year of the popular Sprint format. Kicking things off, Shanghai will host the first F1 Sprint of the year, followed by Miami—both returning for their third straight Sprint weekend.
Fans will love Silverstone’s comeback to the Sprint calendar; it hasn’t featured one since the format’s debut back in 2021. Adding to the buzz, Montréal, Zandvoort, and Singapore gear up for their very first F1 Sprint weekends, bringing fresh energy to the global circuit.
Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1’s president and CEO, shared his excitement: “F1 Sprint events pack in four competitive sessions instead of the usual two on a standard Grand Prix weekend. This means more non-stop action every day for fans, broadcasters, and event organizers, boosting attendance and viewership like never before.”
He added, “As we dive into the new 2026 regulations, introducing three new Sprint venues will crank up the on-track drama. We’re all thrilled to deliver even more incredible racing and thrills to our fans next year.”
So, how does an F1 Sprint weekend work? It turns the entire race into a high-stakes thrill ride. On Friday, teams hit Free Practice 1, then dive into Sprint Qualifying. Saturday brings the Sprint race itself, followed by Grand Prix Qualifying. Sunday wraps it up with the main Grand Prix showdown. This setup keeps the adrenaline pumping from start to finish.
The F1 Sprint format has won over fans globally, driving huge crowds and viewership spikes across TV, digital, and social media. In 2024, Sprint weekends averaged 10% more TV viewers than regular ones, and early 2025 events show the trend climbing higher.
Take Shanghai this year—Lewis Hamilton’s first-ever Ferrari win in the Sprint drew an 84% jump in live TV audiences in Formula 1’s top 15 markets compared to 2024. Miami’s Sprint, claimed by Lando Norris, pulled in 26.6 million TV viewers, up 18% from last year. And Belgium’s Sprint, dominated by Max Verstappen, saw massive gains: Germany up 40%, France 42%, China a whopping 182%, and Argentina 9%—all versus Europe’s 2024 Sprint events.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem praised the format too: “The F1 Sprint has turned into a real highlight of the FIA Formula One World Championship, offering intense racing and extra fun for fans everywhere.”
Looking ahead, he said, “With 2026 bringing a new wave of cars and rules, it’s great to see the Sprint evolve with the sport’s big goals. New venues mixing with fan favorites show the huge support from promoters, teams, and fans. We’ll keep teaming up with FOM, teams, officials, and drivers to make sure the Sprint takes the championship to the next level.”
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