Canadian Grand Prix to host sprint race in Montreal for first time in its history

The Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix will host a sprint race for the first time in its history in 2026, the Octane Racing Group announced Tuesday morning.

Six Grands Prix will therefore feature a sprint race next year. In addition to Montreal, Shanghai, Miami, Silverstone, Zandvoort, and Singapore will host this format.

Several specialized media outlets circulated this rumor at the end of July, after the official account of the Dutch F1 Grand Prix revealed the information on the social network X, likely by mistake, as the post was quickly deleted.

“The sprint format has become an increasingly exciting element of the Formula 1 World Championship, providing intense racing and increased entertainment for racing fans around the world. As we approach a historic 2026 season, thanks to the arrival of a new generation of cars and new regulations, I am pleased to see the sprint format evolve alongside our broader ambitions for the discipline,” said the President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, in a press release.

“The addition of new circuits, alongside the favorites, is a testament to the continued enthusiasm of promoters, teams, and racing fans. We will continue to work closely with FOM, the teams, our management, and the drivers to ensure that the sprint format enhances the championship,” added Ben Sulayem.

The sprint race, approximately 100 km long, or about a third of the distance of a traditional Grand Prix, will be contested on Saturday, the day before the main race.

The winner of the sprint race will earn eight points, and each subsequent driver will receive points up to the eighth-place finisher, who will be awarded one.

“The arrival of the sprint race in Montreal in 2026 is excellent news for our organization and for all Formula 1 fans across the country. It confirms the status of the Canadian Grand Prix as a must-see and even more exciting event on the calendar, in addition to enhancing the quality of the experience offered here,” said Sandrine Garneau, Chief Operating Officer, Brands and Strategy at Octane Racing Group.

The Grand Prix weekend format will therefore be modified.

On Friday, drivers will take part in a single free practice session, which will be followed by the qualifying session for the sprint race.

On Saturday, drivers will compete in the sprint race, followed by the qualifying session for the Grand Prix. The main race will take place on Sunday, as usual.

The Canadian Grand Prix will take place from May 22 to 24, 2026, at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews