The new Formula 1 (F1) sprint race format, which has changed the racing weekend experience in a huge way since its introduction in 2021, continues to make waves. It’s all part of a new format designed to provide fans with more pulse-pounding action over the course of the event. The sprint race would be held on six events during the 2025 calendar. It’s 100 kilometers long, about a third of a typical grand prix distance, and intended to take around 30 minutes.
The sprint race takes place on a unique sprint weekend. It would be held on Saturday, instead of the typical third practice session. With this adjustment, fans will get to experience this new, competitive race format which will inject additional excitement into the entire weekend schedule. The sprint race format was created in order to provide a more action-packed racing experience for fans. It provides drivers with an additional opportunity to score points.
Qualifying for the sprint race takes place on Friday afternoon and is divided into three sessions. In the first round, we cut the bottom five slowest drivers. This reduces the number of contenders and increases the competitive pressure on those other racers still in the race. A further five drivers are cut during the second stage, leading to a final showdown among the top ten competitors in the third stage. The fastest driver from this concluding segment earns pole position for Saturday’s sprint race, setting the tone for the competition ahead.
The scoring structure for the F1 sprint race gives points to the top eight drivers according to how quickly they crossed the line. Now, instead of the ordinal ranking, the winner would get eight points, second place seven points, etc. Specifically, the third-place driver would receive six points. Points are awarded to each of the competitors down to eighth place, with the last qualifier taking home a single point. It’s this system of point allocation that incentivizes drivers to race against each other so aggressively. Acquiring each spot significantly impacts their positions in the series points championship.
After the sprint race, qualifying for the grand prix resumes as normal later on Saturday. The grand prix itself happens on Sunday, serving as the exciting conclusion to the weekend’s festivities. We’re making adjustments to this new format and that includes taking out two practice sessions. In 2023 though, there will be just one practice session on Friday before the action gets started.
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