2026 F1 Sprint: How the New Format Works, Points and Schedules

Formula 1’s 2026 season will see a revamped Sprint format that promises more action and points for teams and drivers alike. According to Sky Sports, the Sprint will now run on the Saturday of each race weekend, with the winner earning 10 points, second place 9, and so on down to the tenth‑placed finisher who receives 1 point. These points will be added to the regular race tally, making the Saturday race a crucial part of the championship battle.

The Sprint starts with a 30‑minute free‑ride session, followed by a 10‑minute qualifying session that sets the grid for the 15‑lap Sprint. The 15‑lap Sprint itself is a short, high‑intensity race that can see teams push their cars to the limit, but it is also a strategic test: tyre choices, pit‑stop timing and driver stamina all play a role. The winner of the Sprint will start the main race on pole, giving them a significant advantage for the Sunday showdown.

Sky Sports notes that the 2026 calendar will feature the same 22 venues as the 2025 season, with the addition of a new track in the Middle East. The Sprint will take place at every Grand Prix except for the Monaco, Singapore and Japanese races, where the traditional format will remain unchanged. This selective rollout allows F1 to experiment with the Sprint while still preserving the heritage of the most iconic circuits.

For Indian fans, the 2026 Sprint races will be available on FanCode, the official streaming partner in India. The Saturday Sprints will air live in Indian Standard Time (IST) at 10:00 PM, with the Sunday races following at 1:00 AM IST. Fans can also catch highlights and analysis on the Pitlane Press India app, which will provide live commentary and post‑race insights.

Source: Sky Sports