The Zandvoort post may have revealed the locations for the 2026 sprint events.

      The Dutch Grand Prix may have inadvertently - or intentionally - disclosed the locations for Formula 1’s six sprint races in 2026. A now-erased post from the official Zandvoort social media account seemed to indicate that the venues for sprint weekends next season will include Canada, China, Zandvoort, Silverstone, Miami, and Singapore. Canadian outlets, such as the Journal de Montreal, reported that the post "vanished quickly, but it was too late to retract the information."

      If validated, this would signify a significant change in the sprint calendar, introducing locations like Singapore, Canada, and Zandvoort, with only two circuits - Shanghai and Miami - making a return from 2025. Although F1 has not officially confirmed this list, the deleted post aligns with expectations that there will still be six sprint events in 2026. The 2026 schedule will feature the same 24 circuits as the current season.

      Sprint races, which were introduced in 2021 to draw younger and more casual fans, have not gained popularity among many drivers and traditionalists. This format eliminates a full practice session and shortens the race weekend, leading to driver caution due to parc ferme rules and the proximity of full qualifying shortly afterward.

      The recent sprint at Spa served as a prime example, showing close running at the front but minimal overtaking. "There’s not a lot going on," acknowledged Lando Norris. "I’m not overly concerned about sprint races, but I certainly prefer to win the main races."

      Oscar Piastri, who started from pole position, shared a similar viewpoint: "It’s just the sprint. The main points are what matters tomorrow." Max Verstappen, the sprint winner, referred to it as "15 qualifying laps" aimed at holding onto his position. "You’re trying to keep quicker cars behind you, so you have to drive beyond your limits," he stated. "Tyre management goes out the window."