F1 confirms 2026 Sprint calendar with three new venues

Formula 1 has finalized its Sprint schedule for the 2026 season, maintaining six events but introducing three new host circuits—Canada, the Netherlands, and Singapore—while the British Grand Prix returns to the format for the first time since 2021. The core Sprint weekend structure and points system remain unchanged from the current format, aiming to deliver condensed, high-stakes action at select grands prix.

Why it matters:

The evolution of the Sprint calendar reflects F1's ongoing strategy to enhance the spectacle at circuits conducive to overtaking and drama. Introducing new venues like Zandvoort and Singapore tests the format on contrasting track types, while bringing it back to the sport's historic home at Silverstone caters to a massive fanbase. This rotation keeps the concept fresh and strategically deploys it where it can have the greatest impact on both the championship and the viewing experience.

The details:

• The 2026 season will feature six Sprint weekends, unchanged in number from recent years.
• New and Returning Venues: The Chinese, Miami, and British Grands Prix return as Sprint events. They are joined by three first-time hosts: the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, and the Singapore Grand Prix.
• Weekend Format: The schedule follows the structure adopted in 2023.
  • Friday: One hour of Free Practice followed by Sprint Qualifying (SQ).
  • Saturday: The 100km Sprint race in the morning, followed later by the main Grand Prix Qualifying session.
  • Sunday: The full-length Grand Prix.
• Sprint Qualifying Rules: The shortened knockout format continues, with specific tyre mandates:
  • SQ1 (12 mins) and SQ2 (10 mins): A new set of Medium tyres is mandatory for each.
  • SQ3 (8 mins): Drivers must use a set of Soft tyres (new or used).
• Sprint Race Points: The top eight finishers in Saturday's Sprint will score championship points, awarded as follows: 1st (8 pts), 2nd (7 pts), 3rd (6 pts), 4th (5 pts), 5th (4 pts), 6th (3 pts), 7th (2 pts), 8th (1 pt).
• Parc Ferme Adjustments: Teams enter parc ferme conditions at the start of Sprint Qualifying on Friday but are released after the Sprint race on Saturday. This provides a valuable second window to adjust car setups based on Sprint data before final Grand Prix qualifying begins.

What's next:

The revised 2026 Sprint calendar kicks off with the season's first event at the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai on March 13-15. This lineup represents a calculated mix of high-speed circuits, street tracks, and fan-favorite venues, setting the stage for the format's next phase of development as F1 continues to refine its weekend spectacle.