FIA in Talks to Double Sprint Races on Formula 1 Calendar
Formula 1 could be set for a major shake-up as the FIA explores plans to significantly increase the number of sprint races on the championship calendar. Discussions held during the latest F1 Commission meeting have opened the door to potentially doubling the current sprint tally — a move that would see up to half of the season’s race weekends adopting the format.
Sprint races were first introduced in 2021 as a trial concept, with just three events featuring the shortened Saturday contest. Since then, the format has gradually expanded and currently stands at six sprint weekends per season. Under the confirmed 2026 schedule, sprint races are due to take place in China, Miami, Canada, Silverstone, Zandvoort and Singapore.
However, talks in Bahrain on Wednesday, February 18, suggest that number could rise to as many as 12 in the near future. The discussions reportedly focused on commercial growth opportunities within the sport, with sprint events identified as a key driver of increased fan engagement and promoter interest.
If the calendar remains at 24 grands prix, expanding to 12 sprint rounds would mean exactly half of the season featuring the alternative format. Such a change would represent one of the most significant structural adjustments in Formula 1’s modern era.
Sprint weekends differ from traditional formats by replacing one practice session with competitive running earlier in the weekend. A shorter race on Saturday awards championship points and helps shape the grid for Sunday’s grand prix. The format was designed to add more meaningful action across all three days, ensuring that fans at the circuit and watching worldwide have competitive sessions beyond standard qualifying and the main race.
Interest in hosting sprint races has reportedly grown among circuit promoters. Events that secure sprint status often benefit from stronger ticket sales across Friday and Saturday, rather than relying predominantly on Sunday attendance. The additional competitive element has also proven attractive to broadcasters and commercial partners.
Support for expanding sprint races has previously been expressed by Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of the Formula One Group. Domenicali has consistently championed innovation aimed at boosting entertainment value and strengthening the sport’s global appeal.
Further evidence of sprint racing’s commercial impact came from Tyler Epp, the former president of the Miami Grand Prix and now head of commercial strategy at Cadillac’s Formula 1 project. Reflecting on his initial doubts about the concept in 2024, Epp admitted he had misjudged its value.
“I was wrong about the sprint race,” he said. “I was very concerned about the value proposition there, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.”
His comments underline how the format has shifted perceptions within the paddock and among stakeholders. While some drivers and team personnel initially questioned the increased workload and potential setup compromises created by sprint weekends, the commercial benefits appear to be outweighing early scepticism.
The FIA has not confirmed whether the proposal will be formally adopted, but the fact that expanding to 12 events is under discussion signals serious consideration. Any change would require approval from teams and stakeholders, with careful thought given to competitive fairness, logistics and costs.
Formula 1 already operates one of the longest seasons in its history, and increasing sprint races — rather than adding more grands prix — may be seen as a way to enhance spectacle without extending the calendar further. However, doubling the sprint tally would intensify championship battles by offering more points-scoring opportunities and could fundamentally alter how teams approach race weekends.
As the sport continues to grow commercially and attract new audiences worldwide, sprint races appear increasingly central to its long-term strategy. Should the FIA and commercial rights holders move forward with the proposal, fans could soon see sprint action become a defining feature of half the Formula 1 season.
