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Sprint Races explained in 2023

Sprint races are a new addition to the Formula 1 calendar, designed to add extra excitement and unpredictability to race weekends. Here is an explanation of how sprint races work.


What are sprint races?


Sprint races are a new format of race that take place on the Saturday of selected Grand Prix weekends. They are shorter than traditional F1 races, in 2023 the Saturday sprint is 100km, usually lasting around 30 minutes, and are designed to be more action-packed and entertaining for fans. The Sunday Grand Prix length is unchanged.



F1 Sprint venues and dates for 2023

Grand Prix

Circuit

Date

Azerbaijan

Baku City Circuit

​April 28 - 30

Austria

Red Bull Ring

​June 30 - July 2

Belgium

Spa-Francorchamps

July 28 - 30

Qatar

Lusail Circuit

October 06 - 08

United States

Circuit of The Americas

​October 20 - 22

Sao Paulo

​Interlagos

November 3 - 5


How do sprint races work?


2023 Sprint Race Structure


FRIDAY

Practice 1

Grand Prix Qualifying*


*The Friday afternoon qualifying session now sets the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix


SPRINT SATURDAY

Sprint Shootout**

F1 Sprint


**Saturday’s shootout and sprint do not affect the starting order for Sunday’s Grand Prix


SUNDAY

Grand Prix





What is a Sprint Shootout?


The sprint shootout is a shorter qualifying session that takes place on Saturday to determine the starting order of the sprint race. There will be a three part session to set the grid for Saturday’s F1 sprint. There are however a few new rules in the 2023 season. In Q1 there will be 12 minutes for qualifying and out of the 20 drivers, the slowest 5 cars will be eliminated. One of the new rules is that in Q1 everyone has to use mandatory Medium Tyre. Following in Q2 there will be 10 minutes for qualifying and out of the 15 drivers, the slowest 5 cars will be eliminated. The mandatory Tyre for Q2 is also Medium Tyre. In Q3 there will be 8 minutes for qualifying and the mandatory Tyre is Soft Tyre. The final results after Q3 is the starting grid for the f1 sprint.



What are the benefits of sprint race?


Sprint races have several benefits for Formula 1. They add an extra element of excitement to race weekends, giving fans more racing action to enjoy. They also allow teams and drivers to test out different strategies and tactics, as the shorter distance and fewer laps mean that races can be more unpredictable.


"The introduction of the F1 Sprint has created a race weekend that includes three days of competitive racing action and brings more entertainment to fans of the sport as well as additional value for key stakeholders including teams, broadcasters, partners, and host venues.” - Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali



What are the Points structure for sprint race?


The top eight finishers in the sprint race are awarded points. The winner receives eight championship points, reduced by one point per place.

Position

Points

1

8

2

7

3

6

4

5

5

4

6

3

7

2

8

1


Overall, sprint races are an exciting new addition to the Formula 1 calendar, designed to add an extra element of unpredictability and excitement to race weekends. There are differing opinions among experts on the introduction of sprint races to the Formula 1 calendar. However, the general consensus seems to be that it is worth experimenting with new formats to keep the sport exciting and engaging for fans.






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