Formula 1 Sprint Races: Revamped format unveiled for six events in 2023

New Format Unveiled for Six 2023 F1 Sprint Events

F1 Sprint, now in its third season, starting with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku Street Circuit this weekend.

This year, there will be six F1 Sprint events, and the format has undergone some adjustments to heighten the excitement.

F1 Sprint is a thrilling, 100km dash to the chequered flag, with no pit stops and an emphasis on aggressive, attacking racing.

Drivers and teams compete for points towards their respective championships.

Changes to Qualifying Sessions

This year, there will be two qualifying sessions for F1 Sprint weekends. The first qualifying session, held on Friday, will determine the grid for the main event on Sunday.

The second qualifying session, known as the "Sprint Shootout," will take place on Saturday morning, replacing the second one-hour practice session, and will set the grid for the Sprint.

The Sprint Shootout follows the same format as traditional qualifying, with Q1, Q2, and Q3. However, each segment is shorter, with mandatory new tires for each phase.

More Pressure, More Action

The new format aims to increase the pressure on drivers to perform in the qualifying sessions.

With less time available in Q2 and Q3, drivers will not have the opportunity to stop for fresh tires, requiring them to get the job done on their first run.

Moreover, with the Sprint Shootout and F1 Sprint no longer impacting the Grand Prix, any problems or incidents during the Sprint will not compromise the entire weekend, encouraging drivers to push harder.

F1 Sprint to Feature in Six Races This Season

In addition to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, F1 Sprint will be featured in five other races this season, including the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, the Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail Circuit, and the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas.

Austria's Red Bull Ring and Brazil's Interlagos will also host F1 Sprints, having already successfully hosted the format in previous years.

Grid Penalties

Grid penalties during F1 Sprint weekends will be applied according to when they are incurred.

Penalties from the first practice or qualifying sessions will apply to the race, while penalties from the Sprint Shootout will apply to the Sprint.

Finally, any grid penalties incurred during the Sprint itself will apply to the main race.