P1racenews AI automatic summary:
FIA in talks for HALF of F1 calendar to become sprint races
The FIA is considering doubling the number of sprint races on the F1 calendar, potentially leading to nearly half of the schedule following the sprint format. Currently, the F1 calendar features six sprint races, doubled from the original three in 2021. In the 2026 season, sprint races could be held in China, Miami, Canada, Silverstone, Zandvoort, and Singapore, with circuit promoters eager to be part of the select events. Discussions at the F1 Commission meeting in Bahrain included the possibility of increasing sprint events to 12 based on demand from fans and promoters. F1 Management and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali support more sprint races on the calendar, reflecting a trend towards a maturation process in the sport. Tyler Epp, former Miami GP president, noted that sprint races have positively impacted weekend attendance, indicating growing acceptance of this format among fans and stakeholders.
