F1 made change to calendar with three new races as Qatar misses out | F1 | Sport
The new F1 season is approaching, and there have been major changes to the sprint race schedule. The format has formed part of several Grand Prix weekends since 2021, and three cities are set to host the event for the first time.
While the 2026 season is set to start at the Australian GP this weekend, the first sprint event will be held in Shanghai the following week. During the six race weekends that include the format, fans are treated to extra action. Qualifying takes place after Free Practice 1 on Friday, with the sprint held before GP Qualifying on Saturday. However, Qatar is not included in this year’s sprint schedule, despite Lusail hosting the final event of last season.
Montreal, Zandvoort and Singapore are three cities that will host the format for the first time. The Canadian city will mark the third sprint event of the year during the Canadian GP, which will be held on May 22-24.
Zandvoort will host the fifth event during the Dutch Grand Prix, scheduled for August 21-23, while the sprint calendar concludes in Singapore during the weekend of October 9-11. The trio of cities form part of a six-date schedule alongside events in Shanghai later this month, Miami in May and a return to Silverstone in July.
However, the addition of three new locations has resulted in Qatar, which has hosted the format three times previously, missing out alongside Stavelot in Belgium and Sao Paulo in Brazil. In September, F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali celebrated the sprint events heading to different cities.
In a statement, Domenicali said: “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.”
He continued: “The 2026 season will usher in a new era of regulations, so having three new Sprint venues will only add to the drama on track. I want to thank the FIA, all the promoters, our partners, marshals, volunteers, and local sporting clubs for continuing to make the Sprint a big success, and we all look forward to giving our fans more incredible racing and excitement in the 2026 season.”
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem added: “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.”
