F1 Confirms New Sprint Race Format Ahead Of Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Formula One has announced exciting changes to the sprint race format, which will be implemented for the first time during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend. Following lengthy discussions and negotiations, F1 teams have reached an agreement on the changes, promising to make the races even more exhilarating for fans around the world.
New Sprint Race Format
The previous sprint race weekend format, which has been in use since its introduction, has undergone scrutiny and discussion. The weekend used to begin with the first free practice session and qualifying for the sprint race on Friday, followed by the second practice session and sprint race on Saturday. The results of the sprint race determined the line-up for the grand prix on Sunday.
However, the new format brings two qualifying sessions over the race weekend. Fridays will now feature an FP1 session and a standard qualifying session that will set the grid for Sunday's Grand Prix.
In addition to the continuing 100km race on Saturdays, there will be a new qualifying session called the 'Sprint Shootout'. Unlike the traditional qualifying session, the Sprint Shootout will be a shorter session with SQ1 running for 12 minutes, SQ2 for 10 minutes, and SQ3 for eight minutes.
This new format replaces the previous FP2 session that used to take place on Saturday morning of Sprint weekends. To make things even more interesting, new mandatory tyres will be introduced for each phase. Mediums will be used for SQ1 and SQ2, while softs will be used for SQ3.
The F1 Sprint race is now contained within the race weekend, which means that any incidents will not compromise starting positions for the Grand Prix. This means that drivers will have more incentive to push across the 100km race, which usually lasts around half an hour.
The points system for the F1 Sprint race remains unchanged, with eight points awarded to the winner, seven points to second place, six points to third place, and so on down to one point for eighth place. Both drivers and teams will log points in their respective championships.