Singapore GP to host first F1 Sprint race in 2026

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Sprint races were introduced to the sport in 2021 to increase the entertainment value for spectators.

PHOTO: ST FILE

SINGAPORE - Singapore will host its first Formula 1 Sprint race in 2026, said Singapore GP on Sept 16.

The sprint race in Singapore will take place during the scheduled F1 weekend on Oct 9 to 11, 2026.

Mr Jonathan Hallett, director of Singapore GP, said: “We are thrilled to be one of six circuits to host the F1 Sprint next year.

“We’ve already seen new Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix winners each year since 2022, and with new regulations, a new team joining the grid, as well as the F1 Sprint, fans can look forward to even more competitive racing as the drivers go all out on all three event days.”

The other races set to hold sprints in 2026 are Silverstone in Britain, Shanghai in China, Miami in the United States, Montreal in Canada and Zandvoort in the Netherlands.

Sprint races were first introduced to the F1 calendar in 2021.
This race format was created to increase the sport’s entertainment value for spectators.

Spanning about 100km, or about one-third the length of a regular F1 race, it usually runs for about 30 minutes and there are no mandatory pit stops.

According to the F1 website, tracks with good overtaking potential are chosen to host sprint races.

“Some circuits are not a natural fit for the sprint format, others run a higher chance of car damage and would make teams overly cautious, and some circuits are very comfortable with their