FIA to Introduce More Flexible Sprint Format Starting 2026 Season

The FIA has approved a targeted adjustment to the Formula 1 Sprint format for the 2026 season, granting teams and drivers more flexibility during the single practice session on compact weekends. The core structure of Sprint events remains unchanged, but a key procedural tweak aims to address a major point of criticism from drivers and teams.

Why it matters:

The single, shortened practice session on Sprint weekends has been a contentious issue. While some drivers appreciate the intensity, others have criticized the format's vulnerability, where a single red flag or incident can ruin a team's entire setup work. This change is a direct response to those concerns, aiming to ensure fairer conditions for data collection without overhauling the popular Sprint concept.

The details:

The fundamental Sprint weekend schedule stays the same for its six 2026 events:

• Friday: One Free Practice session, followed immediately by Sprint Qualifying.
• Saturday: The Sprint race (approx. 100 km).
• Sunday: The full-length Grand Prix.

The key change involves the clock during the sole Free Practice session. Previously, the session timer continued to run during any stoppages. From 2026, race control will have the authority to pause the session clock and extend the practice time to compensate for significant delays. This applies to stoppages for incidents, crashes, or repairs to barriers and track equipment, ensuring teams get their allocated track time.

The big picture:

This adjustment represents a pragmatic evolution of the Sprint format rather than a revolution. It acknowledges practical feedback from the paddock—where every lap of data on a Sprint weekend is crucial—while preserving the high-stakes, action-packed nature that defines these events. The move provides greater planning security for all teams, from front-runners to midfield squads, who must balance aggression with car setup in a very limited window.

What's next:

The updated format will debut in the 2026 season at the scheduled Sprint venues: Shanghai, Miami, Montreal, Silverstone, Zandvoort, and Singapore. This tweak is part of the ongoing refinement of F1's weekend formats as the sport balances tradition with innovation and fan engagement.