2026 F1 Sprint Calendar & Overview

Formula 1 has officially confirmed the six venues that will host F1 Sprint events during the 2026 season — including three new locations making their debut in the Sprint format. As the sport enters a new era of technical regulations, the Sprint format continues to gain momentum with fans, broadcasters, and sponsors.

📅 2026 F1 Sprint Calendar

🔁 Format Summary

• Friday: Free Practice 1 → Sprint Qualifying
• Saturday: Sprint Race → Grand Prix Qualifying
• Sunday: Grand Prix (Main Race)

This revised format ensures fans get competitive action every day of the weekend.

📈 Popularity & Viewership Growth

• +10% TV audience increase on Sprint weekends vs. standard weekends (2024 average)
• Shanghai 2025: +84% live TV audience boost (Hamilton’s Ferrari Sprint win)
• Miami 2025: 26.6 million Sprint viewers (+18% YoY)
• Belgium 2025 (Verstappen win):
  • Germany: +40%
  • France: +42%
  • China: +182%
  • Argentina: +9%

🤝 Sprint Sponsorship

In 2025, Gatorade joined as the Official Partner of the F1 Sprint format starting from the Belgian Grand Prix, marking a broader collaboration with PepsiCo.

💬 Quote from F1 CEO

“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.”
— Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1

Tags: F1 Sprint 2026, Sprint Calendar, Formula 1 Shanghai, Silverstone Sprint, Montreal Sprint, Zandvoort, Singapore Grand Prix, F1 Format Update, Sprint Race Results, F1 TV Ratings