F1 2026 Calendar Overhaul: New Sprint Venues Announced, Qatar Excluded
The 2026 Formula 1 season is poised for a dramatic start this weekend at the Australian Grand Prix, but the spotlight is already on significant calendar revisions that will reshape the sprint race format. Since its introduction in 2021, the sprint has become a staple of select Grand Prix weekends, and this year, three locations are set to debut as hosts, while Qatar finds itself omitted from the lineup.
Sprint Format Evolution and New Additions
The sprint calendar for 2026 features six race weekends, offering fans enhanced action with a revised schedule. Qualifying now follows Free Practice 1 on Friday, with the sprint event taking place before the traditional Grand Prix Qualifying on Saturday. This structure aims to maximize excitement across the weekend.
Notably, Montreal, Zandvoort, and Singapore will stage the sprint format for the first time. The Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, scheduled for May 22-24, will host the third sprint event of the year. Zandvoort will follow with the fifth sprint during the Dutch Grand Prix on August 21-23, and the sprint calendar will conclude in Singapore over the weekend of October 9-11.
These new venues join a six-date sprint schedule that includes returning favourites: Shanghai later this month, Miami in May, and Silverstone in July. The inclusion of these three fresh locations marks a strategic shift, as F1 seeks to diversify the sprint experience across different circuits and regions.
Qatar's Absence and Broader Implications
However, the addition of new sprint venues means Qatar will miss out on hosting the format in 2026, despite having staged it three times previously, including the final event of the 2025 season at Lusail. Alongside Qatar, other venues from last season, such as Stavelot in Belgium and Sao Paulo in Brazil, are also absent from this year's sprint calendar.
In a statement, F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed enthusiasm for the changes, highlighting the sprint's growing impact. "The F1 Sprint has continued to grow in positive impact and popularity since it was introduced in 2021," he said. "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 promoters—driving increased attendance and viewership."
Domenicali added that the 2026 season, which ushers in new regulations, will benefit from the drama added by three new sprint venues. He thanked the FIA, promoters, partners, and volunteers for their contributions to the format's success.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem echoed this sentiment, stating, "The inclusion of new venues alongside returning favourites reflects the continued enthusiasm from promoters, teams, and fans alike. We will continue to work closely with FOM, the teams, our officials, and the drivers to ensure the Sprint format enhances the championship."
As the 2026 season commences in Australia, these calendar adjustments underscore F1's ongoing efforts to innovate and engage global audiences, balancing tradition with fresh opportunities for competitive racing.
