Formula 1 Expands Sprint Weekend Format: Montreal, Zandvoort, and Singapore Join the Action
Formula One has announced that the Canadian, Dutch, and Singapore Grands Prix will host sprint weekends for the first time in the upcoming season. The announcement, made on Tuesday, reveals a total of six venues that will embrace this electrifying format, which features a 100km race on Saturdays, awarding points to the top eight finishers, followed by the main grand prix on Sundays.
Joining the ranks of Shanghai, Miami, and Silverstone, these three new sprint hosts are set to enhance the competitive atmosphere of Formula One. Shanghai and Miami will continue their streak as sprint hosts for a third consecutive year, while Silverstone, which last hosted a sprint in 2021, reclaims its spot in this thrilling weekend format.
The inclusion of Singapore is particularly intriguing, given its reputation as a challenging street circuit with limited overtaking opportunities. This unique setting promises to add an extra layer of strategy and excitement to the sprint race.
Formula One Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali praised the sprint format, stating, “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 promoters, driving increased attendance and viewership.”
The data backs up Domenicali’s claims. Television viewership for sprint weekends in 2024 was, on average, 10% higher than for traditional race weekends. The trend has continued into 2025, with thrilling performances such as Lewis Hamilton’s victory for Ferrari in Shanghai, which led to an impressive 84% increase in live TV audiences across the top 15 markets.
Lando Norris’s sprint win at the Miami Grand Prix drew a staggering 26.6 million viewers, marking an 18% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen’s sprint victory in Belgium saw a dramatic rise in viewership, with China experiencing a remarkable 182% increase compared to 2024.
As Formula One gears up for a new engine era in 2026, significant regulatory changes are on the horizon, prompting discussions about expanding the sprint format further. Domenicali hinted at the possibility of increasing the number of sprint races from the current six to twelve by 2027, with potential changes to the race format, including reverse grids.
“We need to discuss the formats for the next few years,” Domenicali said. “Everyone wants more sprint races instead of Friday free practice. While having them every weekend, like MotoGP, may be too big a step, we believe we can approach weekends differently.”
With the 2026 calendar featuring 24 rounds, there lies an action-packed season ahead as Formula One continues to evolve and engage a growing global audience.
