Formula 1

How a Sprint Weekend Works

Matt B

Matt B

— 2 min read

Formula 1 introduced Sprint Races in 2021 to add excitement to race weekends and shake up the traditional format. Over time, the format has evolved, with the latest version designed to maximise competitive action while keeping the Grand Prix as the main event.

If you're new to F1 Sprints or need a refresher, here's everything you need to know about how a Sprint Weekend works.

Sprint Weekend Format Overview

A Sprint Weekend changes the usual weekend schedule into a more action-packed format. Unlike a traditional race weekend, which features three practice sessions and one qualifying session, a Sprint Weekend includes:

  • Only one practice session
  • A dedicated Sprint Shootout to determine the grid for the Sprint Race
  • A Sprint Race offering points to the top 8 drivers
  • A separate Qualifying session that sets the grid for the main race

Schedule Breakdown

A Sprint Weekend is spread over three days, with changes to the usual format to accommodate the extra competitive session.

Friday: Practice & Sprint Shootout

  • Free Practice 1 (FP1): The only practice session of the weekend, giving teams limited time to test setups and assess conditions.
  • Sprint Shootout: A shortened version of traditional qualifying, with three quickfire sessions:
    • SQ1: 12 minutes
    • SQ2: 10 minutes
    • SQ3: 8 minutes

Saturday: Sprint Shootout & Sprint Race

  • Sprint Race:
    • A short race, typically around 100 km (around 17–24 laps, depending on the circuit).
    • No mandatory pit stops; drivers push flat-out.
    • Points awarded to the top 8 finishers (1st place gets 8 points, down to 1 point for 8th).
    • The finishing order does not impact Sunday’s Grand Prix starting grid.
  • Qualifying: Determines the starting grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix, following the traditional Q1, Q2, and Q3 knockout format.

Sunday: Grand Prix

  • The weekend concludes with the full-length Grand Prix, with the starting grid determined by Saturday’s qualifying session.
  • Full points are awarded based on finishing positions, just like in a traditional race weekend.

Pros & Cons of the Sprint Weekend Format

✅ Pros:

✔ More racing action: Fans get two competitive sessions instead of just practice.
✔ Unpredictability: Limited practice means teams have less time to perfect their setups.
✔ Extra points: Drivers have more opportunities to score points outside of the main race.

❌ Cons:

❌ Risk vs. reward: Drivers might avoid taking big risks in the Sprint to protect their car for Sunday.
❌ Less practice time: Teams struggle to fine-tune car setups, which can impact performance.
❌ No impact on Grand Prix grid: Unlike the original Sprint format, finishing positions in the Sprint Race no longer affect Sunday’s race order.

Conclusion

The Sprint format has been refined to maximise excitement without taking away from the main Grand Prix. While some fans love the extra racing action, others feel it takes away from the prestige of the main event. Regardless of opinion, one thing is certain: Sprint Weekends add an unpredictable twist to the Formula 1 calendar, ensuring that every session matters.

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