Formula One Expands Sprint Weekends to New Venues
For the first time, the Canadian, Dutch, and Singapore Grands Prix will host Formula One sprint weekends alongside Shanghai, Miami, and Silverstone. The new additions reflect the increasing popularity of sprints, which have boosted TV viewership. The format is set to evolve, possibly doubling sprint races by 2027.
For the upcoming season, Formula One has announced that the Canadian, Dutch, and Singapore Grands Prix will host sprint weekends, joining Shanghai, Miami, and Silverstone. This decision underscores the rising popularity of this format, first introduced in 2021, which features a 100km race on Saturdays.
The inclusion of Singapore, despite its challenging overtaking conditions, highlights the diverse appeal of sprint weekends. Since its implementation, TV viewership for these events has increased significantly, with notable spikes observed in major markets during recent races.
Amid regulatory changes, Formula One is contemplating further expanding this format by 2027, potentially increasing the number of sprint races to 12. Discussions are ongoing about future formats to enhance fan engagement and maintain growth.
(With inputs from agencies.)
Google News