The F1 Sprint is back for the 2024 Formula 1 season, with the 100km dash set to make its fourth appearance this year at the upcoming USA Grand Prix, before further Sprints take place in Brazil, and Qatar. The format has had a slight tweak since we last saw it in action in 2023, so here is a refresher on how it all works as we gear up for the first Sprint weekend of the year.
What is the F1 Sprint?
Now in its fourth season, this small race is a 100km dash to the chequered flag. There are no pit stops – unless you are unfortunate enough to need repairs – and it should last around 30 minutes. The length of this race is intended to promote a dash that is dynamic rather than strategic, with an emphasis on attacking. The venues chosen for Sprint events are all circuits that have great overtaking potential – and there are points on offer for the first eight cars to finish.
Both drivers and teams score points for their respective championships in this mini race, with eight points awarded to the winner. The points distribution descends to one point for the P8 finisher, with drivers and teams below that scoring nothing.
Championship Points Awarded in an F1 Sprint
- 1st: 8 points
- 2nd: 7 points
- 3rd: 6 points
- 4th: 5 points
- 5th: 4 points
- 6th: 3 points
- 7th: 2 points
- 8th: 1 point
How Does the F1 Sprint Work?
This new formatted weekend is still a three-day affair with the Grand Prix as the main event, but two of the regular practice sessions are replaced. A qualifying session sets the grid for the Sprint and replaces FP2 on a Friday afternoon. The race itself replaces FP3 on Saturday, before qualifying for the Grand Prix happens as normal in the afternoon. All of this means the pressure is on for drivers and teams to nail their set-up at the first time of asking, with just one free practice session available to them, and the added bonus of extra points on offer.
This qualifying is split into three stages – SQ1, SQ2, and SQ3 – lasting 12 minutes, 10 minutes, and 8 minutes, respectively. The session follows a similar format to regular qualifying for a Grand Prix. The five slowest drivers are eliminated after SQ1, five more drop out after SQ2, with the grid positions set from 20th up to 11th. The 10 remaining drivers battle it out for the top 10 grid slots, with the fastest driver starting from the front for the Sprint.
Changes for the 2024 Season
The naming switch from Sprint Shootout to Sprint Qualifying is not the only change from 2023. Last year, Sprint Qualifying was held on a Saturday morning – with qualifying for the Grand Prix on a Friday – before the Sprint itself on a Saturday afternoon. For 2024, Sprint Qualifying has moved to Friday, following FP1, with the Sprint taking place on Saturday ahead of qualifying for the Grand Prix later that day. The Grand Prix itself will remain on Sunday.
The adjustments aim to create a more cohesive and engaging weekend for fans and teams alike. By shifting key sessions, the format ensures that every day of the weekend features significant on-track action, maintaining high levels of excitement and viewer engagement.
The 2024 F1 Sprint Calendar
The 2024 calendar was announced in December 2023, with six venues holding the event throughout this season. China is hosting the event for the first time this year, as is Miami in the following Grand Prix weekend. Brazil is hosting its fourth Sprint weekend, with Austria hosting its third, while Austin and Qatar return to host for a second year.
2024 F1 Sprint Calendar
- April 19-21: China, Shanghai
- May 3-5: Miami, Miami
- June 28-30: Austria, Spielberg
- October 18-20: United States, Austin
- November 1-3: Brazil, Sao Paulo
- November 29 – December 1: Qatar, Lusail
What Do You Get for Winning an F1 Sprint?
Both drivers and teams score points for their respective championships in the Sprint, with eight points awarded to the winner. The points distribution descends to one point for the P8 finisher, with drivers and teams below that scoring nothing.
The addition of extra points on offer during Sprint weekends adds another layer of strategic depth to the championship battle. Teams and drivers are incentivized to push hard during these shorter races, making every Sprint a crucial part of the season.
Additional Considerations
In terms of how grid penalties will be applied across F1 Sprint weekends, any grid penalties incurred in first practice or qualifying will apply to the race. Grid penalties incurred in Sprint Qualifying will apply to the Sprint; while any grid penalties incurred in the Sprint will apply to the race.
This means that teams and drivers must be even more strategic about their approach to the weekend, carefully managing their performance and reliability to avoid costly penalties that could impact both the Sprint and the main race.
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The Impact on the 2024 Season
Including Sprints in the 2024 season adds a new dynamic to the championship battle. With additional points on the line, every special weekend has the potential to significantly impact the tight and exciting throughout the year.
The Sprint format has been well-received by fans, who appreciate the added excitement and unpredictability it brings to the race weekend. The condensed, action-packed format provides an additional spectacle for viewers, enhancing their overall experience.
Prospects of F1 Sprint Races
The future of F1 Sprint races looks promising, with ongoing improvements and refinements to the format. As the sport continues to evolve, this new format will play an increasingly significant role in shaping the overall race weekend experience.
There is potential for the new format to be expanded to more venues in the future, further integrating this exciting element into the F1 calendar. This expansion could bring the thrill of Sprint races to a wider audience, enhancing the global appeal of Formula 1.
Conclusion
The reintroduction of the F1 Sprint for the 2024 season highlights Formula 1’s dedication to innovation and improving the fan experience. By fine-tuning the format and incorporating it into key race weekends, the sport continually elevates the level of excitement and engagement.
In conclusion, this new format brings a new dimension to the top tier of race weekend, offering excitement, strategic depth, and additional championship points. The 2024 season promises to be an exhilarating journey, with the Sprint races playing a pivotal role in the unfolding drama.
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