Like the F1 Sprint, we’ll keep this guide short and sharp.

Formula 1’s Sprint format returned for a fourth year at the Chinese Grand Prix, with six Sprint weekends in total during the 2024 season.

We’ve compiled a lowdown on everything you need to know to enjoy the action-packed dash to the line, from how the weekend works to what points are on offer and how we fared in the shortened races in 2023.

What is the F1 Sprint?

The Sprint is effectively a bitesize version of the fully-fledged Grand Prix, providing avid Formula 1 fans with an additional wedge of overtaking action and acting as an intro to racing for newcomers.

As the name would suggest, it’s short and sharp, with the entire race taking place over just 100km - around one-third of the standard Grand Prix distance. There are no mandatory pit stops, so it’s a straightforward run to the line. As always, whoever passes the Chequered Flag first wins, so it’s a battle of pure speed and overtaking prowess without any massively complicated strategy matters.

How does an F1 Sprint weekend look?

What impact does the F1 Sprint have on Sunday’s Grand Prix?

The finishing order of the Sprint will not affect the starting grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix. The full-length race takes place as usual, with the grid decided by Qualifying, which takes place on Saturday afternoon after the Sprint. 

Are points awarded in the F1 Sprint?

Of course! Points are handed out to the top eight finishers, which go towards the main Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championship standings.

How does Sprint Qualifying work?

Sprint Qualifying is a shortened version of the standard Qualifying format. SQ1, SQ2, and SQ3 last 12, 10, and eight minutes, respectively, separated by seven-minute intervals.

With less time for each of SQ1, SQ2, and SQ2, teams typically only have time for a single run in each, putting pressure on drivers to get their fast laps right at the first time of asking. With there being no time for multiple runs or tyre changes, fresh rubber is mandatory for each segment. Teams must use Medium tyres for SQ1 and SQ2 and Softs for SQ3.

How does a Sprint weekend impact setup?

On a Sprint weekend, we get only one hour to finalise our setups, with a single Free Practice session. That leaves us with a lot to do in just one session and increases the importance of our team's work back at the factory, both in the lead-up to the weekend and during it.

However, things have gotten a little easier in 2024, compared to 2023, with the addition of a second parc fermé period, which is when teams are prevented from making any major changes to their cars. Cars are now initially placed under parc fermé conditions at the start of Sprint Qualifying until the end of the Sprint.

We can then make further changes to the MCL38 between the Sprint and the start of Grand Prix Qualifying. From the start of Qualifying, cars are then locked back into parc fermé for the final time. This gives teams more flexibility to change their setups for the Sprint and the Grand Prix, which have their own unique requirements.

Where will this format be used?

How did we perform in the 2023 Sprints?

Oscar was one of just three drivers to win a Sprint in 2023, clinching his first F1 win of any form in his rookie year in the Sprint at Qatar, having started from pole. The Australian also finished second in the Sprint at Belgium.

Lando also took two Sprint podiums, with a third in Qatar and a second in São Paulo, where he had started from pole.