Formula 1 on Water: F1H2O Grand Prix of Kyrgyzstan 2026
From July 31 to August 2, 2026, Lake Issyk-Kul will host the UIM F1H2O Grand Prix of Kyrgyzstan, an official round of the World Championship in powerboat racing. The races will take place near the village of Baet, on the shoreline between the Ak-Maral and Chaika resorts. Kyrgyzstan will host an F1H2O event for the first time, making it the championship’s first-ever round in Central Asia. Located 1,607 metres above sea level, the venue will also become the highest-altitude race location in the history of the championship.
F1H2O is often described as “Formula 1 on water.” International teams compete in lightweight racing catamarans capable of reaching speeds of up to 250 km/h and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in under three seconds. The Issyk-Kul circuit is 1,929 metres long and features seven turning buoys. Spectators will see high-speed straights, sharp turns, close battles for position and the coordinated work of professional teams competing in the world powerboat racing series.
According to the published sporting programme, two free practice sessions will take place on July 31, from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM and from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM. The main events on August 1 will begin with qualifying at 10:00 AM, followed by sprint races scheduled for 3:05 PM and 3:50 PM. On Sunday, August 2, the warm-up session will start at 10:00 AM, while the main Grand Prix of Kyrgyzstan race will take place from 3:05 PM to 3:50 PM. An awards ceremony is scheduled after the finish.
The racing programme will be complemented by a festival on the shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. The spectator Fan Zone will feature large screens broadcasting the races, a food court, relaxation areas and entertainment activities organised by event partners. The programme will also include JetSurf and jet ski shows, concerts by Kyrgyzstani and international performers, and evening entertainment. The organisers are preparing cultural activities that will introduce international visitors to Kyrgyzstan and complete the racing weekend.
The event has an age rating of 0+ and is suitable for families. Visitors planning to attend on August 1 must pass the entrance checkpoint before 10:00 AM, as access to the venue may be temporarily restricted later due to sporting regulations. Bringing personal food and drinks is not permitted, but food outlets will operate at the venue and free drinking water will be available. The paddock and technical areas will not be accessible to general visitors.
Information about parking, transfers and travel routes to the venue will be published by the organisers closer to the event dates. Race schedules vary from day to day, so visitors are advised to check the official programme again before travelling. The 12:00 PM start time displayed by some ticket operators does not correspond to the beginning of all sporting activities.