Image by Luis Carlos from Pixabay
An F1 Sprint Weekend is a modified race format designed to add more action and unpredictability to a Grand Prix weekend. Unlike a traditional race weekend, which includes three practice sessions and a qualifying session leading into Sunday’s Grand Prix, a Sprint Weekend features an additional short race called the Sprint.
Sprint Weekend Schedule Breakdown
During a normal F1 weekend, teams have plenty of time to fine-tune their cars over three practice sessions before qualifying. However, in a Sprint Weekend, the schedule is condensed and more intense. Here’s how it works:
Friday: FP1 and Qualifying for the Sprint
- The weekend starts with a single practice session (Free Practice 1 or FP1).
- Instead of another practice session, Friday concludes with a full Sprint qualifying session also known as Sprint Shootout running SQ1, SQ2, and SQ3. Sprint qualifying runs just like a regular qualifying session with the only difference being the amount of track time each sessions receives.
- SQ1 lasts 12 minutes, SQ2 is 10 minutes and SQ3 lasts 8 minutes.
- This Sprint qualifying sessions sets grid for Saturday’s Sprint Race.
Saturday: Sprint Race/Qualifying Day
- The Sprint Race happens in the afternoon. It is a shorter race, usually around 100 km (roughly 17-24 laps depending on the circuit), and does not require pit stops.
- The top eight finishers in the Sprint earn championship points, making it an important event for the season standings.
Later after the Sprint race, F1 Qualifying happens which sets the grid for Sundays Grand Prix Race. (Read More on How F1 Qualifying Works)
Sunday: Grand Prix
- The weekend’s main event is the Grand Prix, with the starting grid set from Saturday’s qualifying session.
- This is the full-distance race (typically 305 km or about 190 miles) and the most crucial part of the weekend.
How Does the Sprint Race Impact the Weekend?
One of the key differences in a Sprint Weekend is that drivers have limited time to prepare their cars. With only one practice session before Friday’s sprint qualifying, teams must make quick decisions on car setup. Once Friday qualifying is completed, key car settings (known as Parc Fermé conditions) are locked, preventing major adjustments.
Additionally, while the Sprint Race does not determine the starting order for the Grand Prix, it offers valuable points for the championship. Here’s how the points are awarded:
- 1st place – 8 points
- 2nd place – 7 points
- 3rd place – 6 points
- 4th place – 5 points
- 5th place – 4 points
- 6th place – 3 points
- 7th place – 2 points
- 8th place – 1 point
Why Was the Sprint Format Introduced?
F1 introduced the Sprint format to add more competitive action to the weekend. It gives fans an additional race to watch and provides teams with more chances to score points. Since Sprint races are shorter, drivers tend to take more risks, making them exciting to watch.
Where Are Sprint Races Held?
Each season, F1 selects a handful of race weekends to feature the Sprint format. These are typically at tracks where overtaking is possible, ensuring an entertaining show.
Here is 2025’s F1 Sprint Calendar
| Date | Country | Track |
|---|---|---|
| March 21-23 | China | Shanghai Audi International Circuit |
| May 2-4 | USA | Miami International Autodrome |
| July 25-27 | Belgium | Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps |
| October 17-19 | USA | Circuit of the Americas |
| November 7-9 | Brazil | Autódromo José Carlos Pace |
| November 28-30 | Qatar | Lusail International Circuit |
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