Overview
- The FIA said the F1 Commission discussed expanding sprint weekends to as many as 12 based on demand from fans and promoters.
- Series leadership, including Stefano Domenicali and Liberty Media, favors a larger sprint presence to deliver meaningful action across all three days.
- Plans under review for non-sprint Fridays include adding a competitive session, extending practice, or creating exclusive young-driver running to protect rookie mileage.
- No increase will be made for 2026, and Domenicali indicated a decision on the 2027 sprint count is expected in the coming months.
- Drivers offered mixed views at Bahrain testing, with Carlos Sainz open to more sprints if the format changes and workload is managed, while Charles Leclerc prefers keeping the number to around six as promoters cite Saturday attendance gains such as in Miami.