F1 2026 Sprint Calendar Confirmed; Hamilton's Peak Questioned

The F1 2026 Sprint race calendar has been officially confirmed, introducing new venues to the compact race format. This announcement comes as discussions around Lewis Hamilton's future performance heat up, with former Grand Prix winner David Coulthard openly questioning if the seven-time World Champion is past his peak.

2026 F1 Sprint Calendar Revealed

Six Sprint races are set for the 2026 F1 calendar. Notably, Montreal, Zandvoort, and Singapore are slated to host their inaugural Sprint events. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali extended gratitude to all stakeholders, including the FIA, promoters, and volunteers, for their continued support in making the Sprint format a success, promising more thrilling racing for fans.

The Push for More Sprints

Why it matters: Formula 1 Management (FOM) is actively exploring an increase in the number of Sprint races for the 2027 season, signifying a strategic shift from the traditional Grand Prix weekend structure.

The details: For promoters, Sprint weekends create substantial interest across all three days of track activity, aiding ticket sales. However, this comes at a reported cost, with sources suggesting promoters pay an additional $3 million for the right to host a Sprint. This lucrative revenue stream is a key driver behind FOM's keen interest in expanding the Sprint format, potentially doubling the current number of events.

Key Figures and Team Outlooks

• Fernando Alonso on Adrian Newey: Ahead of their 2026 collaboration, Fernando Alonso expressed admiration for Adrian Newey's unique confidence, stating he has "never saw before" such self-assurance. Alonso noted Newey's unwavering belief in his designs, unaffected by rival teams or philosophies.
• Jacques Villeneuve on Red Bull's Second Seat: 1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve offered a candid assessment of Red Bull's 'second seat curse.' He asserted that drivers can make the car their own alongside Max Verstappen, directly attributing the struggles of others to them "not being good enough."
• Lewis Hamilton's Peak Questioned: David Coulthard has openly challenged Lewis Hamilton's current form. Dismissing 'culture change' as an excuse for the upcoming Ferrari move, Coulthard posed the direct question: "is he past his peak?" as Hamilton navigates a challenging 2025 season.
• Renault's Unwavering Commitment: New Renault CEO Francoise Provost firmly reiterated the French manufacturer's long-term commitment to Formula 1. This statement aims to quell speculation about a potential sale of the Alpine F1 team, reaffirming their enduring presence in the sport.