F1 News: 2024 Sprint Race Changes Approved By Formula 1 Commission
The F1 Commission has announced changes to the Sprint weekend format for a second consecutive year, according to the FIA. The restructuring aims to enhance the racing experience, with the Sprint qualifying session moving to Friday and the Sprint race taking place on Saturday, followed by the Grand Prix qualifying.
Key Takeaways:
- Sprint Weekend Restructuring: The F1 Commission has decided to revise the Sprint weekend format again, moving the Sprint qualifying to Friday post-practice session and setting the Sprint race for Saturday, leading into the Grand Prix qualifying. This change aims to improve the overall structure and flow of race weekends.
- Sprint Venues and Feedback: Sprints will continue at six locations in 2024, including China and Miami, amidst mixed feedback from drivers and team principals regarding the impact on practice time and predictability of Grand Prix outcomes. However, the format is seen as enhancing the spectacle for fans.
- Regulatory Changes and Future Outlook: Alongside the Sprint format changes, the F1 Commission proposed increasing power unit allocations and shortening the DRS activation window. These adjustments, pending World Motorsport Council approval, reflect F1's ongoing efforts to balance competition, sustainability, and viewer engagement.
The F1 Commission's decision to tweak the Sprint weekend format follows a year of experimentation and feedback from various stakeholders. By shifting the Sprint qualifying to Friday and holding the Sprint race on Saturday, the commission aims to streamline the race weekend and enhance fan engagement. This move is part of broader efforts to refine the racing experience, which includes adjustments to power unit allocations and DRS activation rules. The proposed changes, which are set to be presented to the World Motorsport Council, underscore F1's commitment to innovation and responsiveness to feedback from teams, drivers, and fans alike.
2024 Sprint Race Format
(Subject to approval from the World Motorsport Council)
Friday: Free Practice 1, Sprint Shootout (qualifying for the Sprint Race)
Saturday: Sprint Race, Grand Prix Qualifying
Sunday: Grand Prix
2024 Sprint Race Locations
There will be six sprint race weekends during the 2024 season.
- China (19-21 April)
- Miami (3-5 May)
- Austria (28-30 June)
- Austin (18-20 October)
- Brazil (1-3 November)
- Qatar (29 November - 1 December)