Sprint format returns to Great Britain: what to expect from the race in 2026.

Sprint program at the British Grand Prix 2026

According to The Sun: Next year, a sprint will take place at the British Grand Prix as part of a major reform in Formula 1 scheduled for 2026.

A new sprint schedule for the upcoming season is planned.

Max Verstappen had previously expressed his dissatisfaction with sprints

Sprints will also take place in Shanghai, Miami, Montreal, Zandvoort, and Singapore.

Silverstone was already the scene of the first sprint in Formula 1 in 2021, but since then it has not featured in the schedule.

The British Grand Prix next year will take place on the first weekend of July.

F1 officials are negotiating with FIA, teams, and drivers about expanding the sprint program.

They hope to organize even 12 sprints per season by 2027.

Statistics show that television views during sprints are on average 10% higher than the results of regular weekends, indicating their popularity among fans.

F1 president Stefano Domenicali is also considering introducing reverse grids, which are already used in F2 and F3.

Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have already criticized the idea of reverse grids, while Max Verstappen does not support sprints.

Domenicali noted: 'The F1 sprint continues to grow in positive impact and popularity since its introduction in 2021.'

'With four competitive sessions instead of two during a regular Grand Prix, Formula 1 sprints offer more action every day for our fans, broadcasting partners, and organizers, contributing to increased viewership.'

'The 2026 season will mark a new era of regulations, so adding three new sprint locations (Montreal, Zandvoort, and Singapore) will only heighten the tension on the track.'

Pegging back to 2019, Lewis Hamilton said about reverse grids: 'Those who propose this really don't know what they're talking about.'

Verstappen in the past had expressed dissatisfaction regarding sprints that increase the number of competitive sessions per weekend from two to four.

PANext season of Formula 1 promises to be eventful due to the implementation of the new sprint program. It may become a significant factor in strengthening the popularity of this sport, as fans are always looking for new competition formats. There is only hope for a constructive dialogue between F1 management and drivers regarding the future of sprints.