EXPLAINED: Everything you need to know about the 2024 F1 Sprint format

The F1 Sprint is returning in Austin for the upcoming United States Grand Prix weekend, with further appearances due in Brazil and Qatar in 2024.
Since it’s been a while since we last saw the Sprint in action – all the way back at the Austrian Grand Prix – here’s a little refresher of the format in use for 2024…
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Now in its fourth season, the Sprint is a 100km dash to the chequered flag. There are no pit stops – unless you’re unfortunate enough to need repairs – and should last around 30 minutes. The length of the Sprint is intended to promote a dash that is dynamic rather than strategic, with an emphasis on attacking.
That’s why the venues chosen for Sprint events are all circuits that have great overtaking potential – and there’s points on offer for the first eight cars to finish.
A Sprint weekend is still a three-day affair with the Grand Prix as the main event, but with two of the regular practice sessions are replaced.
A Sprint Qualifying session sets the grid for the Sprint and that replaces FP2 on a Friday afternoon.
READ MORE: From a thrilling charge through the field to a three-way battle for the lead – Five of the greatest moments from the F1 Sprint
The Sprint 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 also the added bonus of extra points on offer.
Both drivers and teams score points for their respective championships in the Sprint, with eight points dished out to the winner.
That descends down to one point for the P8 finisher, with drivers and teams below that scoring nothing.
This is a slight change we have seen for 2024, compared to 2023. What was dubbed the Sprint Shootout last year will be called Sprint Qualifying this time around – but it follows the same format.
Split into three stages – SQ1, SQ2 and SQ3 – lasting 12 minutes, 10 minutes and just 8 minutes respectively, the session follows a similar format to regular qualifying for a Grand Prix as the five slowest drivers are eliminated after SQ1. Five more then drop out after SQ2, with the grid positions set from 20th up to 11th.
That leaves the 10 remaining drivers to battle it out for the top 10 grid slots, with the fastest driver starting from the front for the Sprint.
READ MORE: The beginner’s guide to the F1 Sprint
The naming switch is not the only thing that has changed from 2023 – there has also been a minor tweak to the scheduling.
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 2024 Sprint Calendar was announced in December 2023, with six venues holding the event throughout this season. China hosted the event for the first time this year, with Miami and Austria also enjoying the Sprint action this season.
There are three more Sprint weekends to come in 2024, in Austin and also Brazil and Qatar.
READ MORE: FIA and Formula 1 announce calendar for 2025
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.
For a more in-depth summary of the F1 Sprint read the Beginner’s Guide here.
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