Zandvoort Hosts First F1 Sprint Weekend
The 2026 Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort introduces the Sprint format for the first time at the venue. The change adds a sprint qualifying session on Friday and a 100 km sprint race on Saturday ahead of the main Grand Prix on Sunday, coinciding with the final event under the current contract.
Zandvoort Adds Sprint to 2026 Schedule
Circuit Zandvoort hosts its first Sprint weekend during the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix. Sprint qualifying occurs on Friday after a single practice session. The 24-lap sprint race follows on Saturday morning. Grand Prix qualifying takes place later that day, with the 72-lap main race on Sunday. [1]
The format marks the fifth of six Sprint events in the 2026 season. It also serves as the final Formula 1 race at the circuit under the current contract. [2]
Weekend Schedule Overview
- Friday: Free practice, then Sprint qualifying.
- Saturday: Sprint race, followed by Grand Prix qualifying.
- Sunday: Dutch Grand Prix.
Related reading
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Dutch_Grand_Prix https://www.reuters.com/sports/fernandez-wins-dutch-grand-prix-sprint-trackhouse-dominate-2026-06-27/
- [1]F1 sprint races 2026: Format, points & races this year (bbc). Accessed 2026-08-20.
- [2]F1 Sprint: Schedule, points, results format explained, qualifying, race and venues for 2026 season (skysports). Accessed 2026-08-20.
- [3]Programma - Dutch Grand Prix (dutchgp). Accessed 2026-08-20.
- [4]F1 Sprint calendar 2026: Full schedule & venues (redbull). Accessed 2026-08-20.