Formula 1 introduced Sprint races in specific Grand Prix events beginning with the 2021 season.
These races are shortened versions of a standard Grand Prix, where Formula 1 cars participate in an uninterrupted, all-out race covering a distance of 100 km (approximately 62 miles) without any required pit stops in between.
The Sprint Race was initially a qualifying event held on Saturdays before the main race, and its results determined the starting order of the grid until 2022.
However, starting in 2023, the Sprint transitioned into a standalone event, departing from the previous format.
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How F1 Sprint weekends are structured
Friday
- One free practice session for 60 minutes.
- The typical qualifying session for the main race on Sunday.
On Sprint weekends, the number of practice sessions is reduced from three to one, limiting the time for teams to fine-tune their setups and simulate various event stages.
A traditional qualifying session will occur on this day to establish the starting grid for the Sunday race. The standard qualifying, typically held on Saturday, has been shifted to a day earlier.
In contrast, a regular non-Sprint Grand Prix weekend usually comprises three practice sessions. Two sessions are conducted on Friday, one in the morning and another in the afternoon. The third practice session takes place on Sunday before the qualifying session.
Saturday
- Sprint Shootout
- Sprint Race
The Sprint Shootout determines the grid's order, and its rules essentially resemble those of a traditional qualifying session, albeit with shorter time durations and a mandated set of tires for each segment.
In SQ1, lasting 12 minutes, drivers are obliged to use medium tires. SQ2, a 10-minute segment, permits using medium tires, while SQ3, an 8-minute session, requires soft tires.
For the Sprint Race, the top eight drivers gain valuable championship points, with the winner earning eight points, second earns seven points, and this continues downward till one point is earned at eighth place.
The number of laps of the Sprint race is determined by the length of the specific circuit, and the whole event typically lasts around 25 to 30 minutes. These races are strategically scheduled on circuits designed to encourage overtaking, ensuring close and entertaining racing experiences.
Sunday
- Main race
The main Grand Prix is scheduled for Sunday, with the starting grid order determined by the outcome of the qualifying session conducted on Friday.
2024 Sprint Weekends
The 2024 Formula 1 season is set to feature six Sprint Weekends out of the 24 scheduled races, maintaining the same number as the previous year in 2023.
- April 19 to 21: Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai International Circuit
- May 3 to 5: Miami Grand Prix at Miami Autodrome
- June 28 to 30: Austrian Grand Prix at Red Bull Ring
- October 18 to 20: United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas
- November 1 to 3: São Paulo Grand Prix at Autódromo José Carlos Pace
- November 29 to December 1: Qatar Grand Prix at Losail International Circuit
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