How does the Formula 1 sprint work explained
For decades, Formula 1 trained on Friday, qualified on Saturday and raced on Sunday. However, this traditional system, to which the spectator is so used to, has changed with the introduction of sprint races. But what are sprint races? And what will Formula 1 weekends look like? We are going to tell you all about how Formula 1 sprint works and what it means for you as a supporter, so that you are fully informed.
Why are there Formula 1 sprint weekends
To build more excitement into a Formula 1 weekend, the 2021 season saw three race weekends using the Formula 1 sprint concept. This concept proved to be a success according to the Formula 1 association (FIA), which meant that a year later there were not three but six sprint races in the calendar. And again in the 2024 season, six circuits have been selected to host a sprint weekend.
What is the Formula 1 sprint format like?
When introduced in 2021, the sprint concept was a success, yet there was a critical group, including Max Verstappen, who said the sprint format does not make sense. Therefore, a number of changes have been made and the sprint format will look slightly different in 2024 than it did in 2021 when the Formula 1 sprint concept was introduced.
The Formula 1 sprint weekend schedule
One 60-minute practice session will take place on Friday, followed by qualifying which is the same in content as the qualifying run in the traditional system on Saturday. The spot where the driver qualifies is the starting spot for Sunday’s traditional race. The polesitter is thus determined on Friday and not on Saturday.
Saturday is all about the sprint. The day starts with the sprint shootout, which still uses the familiar Q1, Q2 and Q3. However, the duration of this session has been shortened, giving drivers less time to set fastest laps, so a (small) mistake can have bigger consequences. The position at which the driver qualifies in the sprint shootout determines the subsequent sprint shootout. The sprint race is a shortened version of the original race on Sunday, with a distance of about 100 kilometres. Interestingly, doing a pit stop during the sprint race is not compulsory and in most cases not beneficial to maintain or strengthen your position, so drivers are designated to manage their tyres well.
On Sunday, there is no change in the format and the race will just be traditionally 300 kilometres. Drivers will start the race at the position they qualified at on Friday.
The impact of the sprint
The impact of a sprint weekend on a race weekend in Formula 1 is significant. Formula 1 teams must now count on double the number of races in a weekend, increasing the risk of damage and wear and tear on parts. The stakes are also high for drivers. Drivers must get comfortable in one practice session to make the most of the subsequent qualifying session.
How many points can drivers get during a Formula 1 sprint weekend?
Extra points are distributed during a Formula 1 sprint weekend. Drivers can receive these extra points on the Saturday during the sprint race. The points distribution is as follows:
| Position 1: 8 points | Position 5: 4 points |
| Position 2: 7 points | Position 6: 3 points |
| Position 3: 6 points | Position 7: 2 points |
| Position 4: 5 points | Position 8: 1 point |
Because there are points to be earned, drivers and teams are forced to race aggressively, so the sprint race can be described as intense. Of course, this in turn makes it more fun for spectators, as there is a greater risk of accidents and unusual results.
Which Formula 1 sprint weekends will there be in 2024?
In the 2024 season, six circuits will host the sprint weekend. These dates and location have been carefully chosen to involve as many spectators as possible in the Formula 1 sprint. Here is an overview of the planned Formula 1 sprint weekends:
- On 20 April, the first sprint weekend of the season starts at a track that has been away for a while, namely the Shanghai circuit in China. To attend this race you will have to get there early, the start time is 05:00 Dutch time.
- The Miami International Autodrome is scheduled for 4 May, with the race starting at 18:00 Dutch time.
- Then, on 29 June, the sprint format comes to Europe, with the Red Bull Ring in Austria playing host. The sprint race will start at 12:00 Dutch time.
- On 19 October, the Formula 1 circus is back in America at the traditional Circuit of the Americas. Spectators should be in front of the tube at 20:00 Dutch time to watch the sprint race.
- The second-to-last Formula 1 sprint race will take place in South American Brazil at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace. This sprint race will take place on 2 November with a start time of 15:00 Dutch time.
- The Formula 1 sprint weekend season concludes in Qatar, at the Losail International Circuit on 30 November, where the race starts at 14:00.
Future of Formula 1 sprinting
The future of Formula 1 sprint weekends looks promising, with the sport constantly looking for evolutions to provide an engaging experience for both drivers and spectators. Perhaps there will be some future changes to the structure, points scoring and the amount of Formula 1 sprint weekends to take the sport to new heights for both competitors and fans.
