Formula 1 and the FIA have officially confirmed the 2026 Sprint calendar, and Zandvoort has landed a historic milestone: the Netherlands Grand Prix will stage the first Sprint weekend in the circuit's history. The Dutch GP, scheduled for August 21-23, becomes one of six venues on the revised Sprint format for the new regulations era.
Zandvoort joins Shanghai, Miami, Montreal, Silverstone and Singapore as Sprint hosts in 2026. Three of those — Montreal, Zandvoort and Singapore — are hosting a Sprint weekend for the very first time, while Shanghai and Miami return for a third consecutive year. Silverstone also re-enters the Sprint rotation after missing out since the format's debut in 2021.
The announcement is part of F1's push to expand the Sprint programme, which has grown steadily since its introduction. The 2026 season marks the sixth year of the format and comes alongside sweeping new technical regulations. According to F1's own data, Sprint weekends drew an average of 10% higher television viewership in 2024 compared to standard race weekends, a trend the sport expects to continue.
For Zandvoort, the Sprint adds another layer to what is already set to be a memorable weekend. The 2026 Dutch Grand Prix will be the last under the current promoter, making the addition of a Sprint — and the extra competitive session it brings — a fitting farewell for the iconic coastal circuit.
Under the Sprint format, Friday features Sprint Qualifying after the first free practice session. Saturday hosts the Sprint race itself followed by Grand Prix Qualifying, while Sunday remains the traditional race day. The structure ensures competitive action across all three days, a key selling point for fans and broadcasters alike.
Gatorade, which became an official Sprint partner from the Belgian Grand Prix onwards as part of F1's broader deal with PepsiCo, continues its association with the format through 2026.
The full 2026 F1 Sprint calendar is: Shanghai (March 13-15), Miami (May 1-3), Montreal (May 22-24), Silverstone (July 3-5), Zandvoort (August 21-23), Singapore (October 9-11).
Sources
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/formula-1-and-fia-announce-2026-sprint-calendar.3PyLPAazrBNe8kQIS3wOfY
