Singapore to host first-ever F1 sprint race as 2026 calendar unveiled

Next year, the British Grand Prix will see a sprint race return after its debut in 2021, while Shanghai, Miami, Montreal, and Zandvoort will also host the shorter-format events. Silverstone staged F1's first-ever sprint race in 2021, but has not been on the schedule since and now it's making a comeback.

The British race is scheduled for the first weekend of July as part of the 24-round calendar, the South China Morning Post reported.

F1 officials are currently in talks with motorsport governing body FIA, teams and drivers to potentially expand the sprint series to as many as 12 races from 2027. Data from previous seasons shows that weekends with sprint races draw roughly 10% higher television audiences compared to standard race weekends.

In June, Thailand moved into advanced talks to debut a Bangkok street race from 2028, with cabinet approval for a multi-year bid worth $1.23 billion, a step that would put a second Southeast Asian race on the calendar alongside Singapore, according to ESPN.

"The F1 sprint has continued to grow in positive impact and popularity since it was introduced in 2021," F1 boss Stefano Domenicali told AFP. "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."

Changes to the sprint format are also under consideration, including the possible introduction of reverse grids.