Formula 1 has introduced Sprint races in select Grand Prix events starting from the 2021 season, adding an extra layer of competition with championship points up for grabs for both drivers and constructors during these races.
The Sprint race takes place a day before the main Grand Prix. During this event, which is a shortened version of a Grand Prix, Formula 1 cars engage in an uninterrupted, all-out race covering a distance of 100 km (approximately 62 miles), with no pit stops in between.
The number of laps depends on the length of a particular circuit, and the Sprint race usually lasts around 25 to 30 minutes. Sprint races are strategically held on circuits that promote overtaking and deliver close, entertaining racing experiences.
The Sprint race's format has changed over the years, transforming from a qualifying event for the main race to a standalone event where more significant championship points are up for grabs.
So far, there have been 12 Sprint races held since their introduction. Max Verstappen has been particularly dominant in these races, securing victory in seven of them.
Valtteri Bottas has won two Sprint races, while George Russell, Sergio Perez, and Oscar Piastri each have one Sprint race win to their names.
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F1 Sprint format over the years
1. 2021 season
When introduced during the 2021 season, the Sprint race functioned as a qualifier that determined the starting grid order for the main race.
The starting grid for the Sprint race was determined by a typical qualifying session a day before the event, and the winner of the Sprint was awarded as the official polesitter.
The top three finishers were awarded championship points, and the point distribution was 3 points for the winner, 2 points for the second-place finisher, and 1 point for the driver in third place.
2021 season Sprint winners:
British Grand Prix: Max Verstappen
Italian Grand Prix: Valtteri Bottas
Sao Paulo Grand Prix: Valtteri Bottas
2. 2022 season
In 2022, the format saw minimal changes as the Sprint results continued to determine the starting grid for the primary race.
However, the points system underwent adjustments, offering greater incentives. The top eight drivers now earn points, with the winner receiving eight points and the eighth-placed driver getting one point.
There was also a minor adjustment regarding the official title of pole position. The driver who won the qualifying session to secure the front position for the Sprint race would be recognized as having secured pole position, although the Sprint race winner would still start the main race from the front of the grid.
2022 season Sprint winners:
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix: Max Verstappen
Austrian Grand Prix: Max Verstappen
Sao Paulo Grand Prix: George Russell
3. 2023 season
Beginning in 2023, the Sprint transitioned into a standalone event, departing from the previous format.
In this revised setup, the Sprint race no longer determines the grid positions for the main race. Instead, it features its qualifying session on the same day, referred to as a "Sprint Shootout," separate from a qualifying session for the main race held a day prior.
The most notable difference between the original qualifying session and the Sprint Shootout lies in the timings, although the rules remain essentially the same. For Q1, the original qualifying lasts for 18 minutes, while the Sprint Shootout takes 12 minutes. In Q2, the original qualifying lasts for 15 minutes, and the Sprint Shootout takes 10 minutes. Finally, in Q3, the original qualifying lasts for 12 minutes, and the Sprint Shootout takes 8 minutes."
Despite the format changes, the points distribution remained the same with the system implemented during the 2022 season.
2023 season Sprint winners:
Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Sergio Perez
Austrian Grand Prix: Max Verstappen
Belgian Grand Prix: Max Verstappen
Qatar Grand Prix: Oscar Piastri
United States Grand Prix: Max Verstappen
Sao Paulo Grand Prix: Max Verstappen
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