BREAKING: F1 considering more Sprint races and reverse grids as 2026 calendar confirmed

Formula 1 could double the number of Sprint races held per year to 12 from 2027, it is understood, as the sport looks to capitalise on its growing audience. The revelation comes as the 2026 Sprint race calendar is confirmed with six events set to use the format next year.

That is the same number as this year, with F1 chiefs keen to avoid adding a further burden on teams as they head into a new regulations cycle. From next season, new engine and aerodynamic design rules will come into force in what has been described as the most radical shifts in decades.

With that in mind, it has been decided to postpone any potential changes to the Sprint format and the number of events held per year.

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However, looking ahead to 2027 and beyond, potential changes to the Sprint format are set to be discussed. That includes increasing the number of Sprint races, which is attractive to F1 because TV viewing figures show consistently higher weekend audiences when there is a Sprint race alongside a Grand Prix.

There is also believes to be significant interest from race promoters around the globe in using the Sprint format in the future. It is understood that the number of Sprints held in a season could potentially double to a maximum of 12, though a final number has yet to be decided.

Changes to the format are also set to be up for discussion with teams and drivers in the coming months. That includes the idea of introducing reverse grids for Sprint races, which would see a pre-determined number of places reversed at the front of the grid for the shorter-form race, compared to their qualifying positions for the main Grand Prix.

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