F1® to double number of sprint races to six in 2023

Formula 1® will increase the number of sprint qualifying races from three to six for the 2023 season.

The shortened format, introduced to F1® in 2021, sees teams and drivers take part in traditional qualification sessions on Friday before an additional 100km race on Saturday sets the grid for Sunday's Grand Prix.

This year's calendar saw sprints at Imola and the Red Bull Ring, with the final event to take place at Interlagos.

From next year, however, half-a-dozen race weekends will pull double duty following a rubber-stamped proposal.

The Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix 2023 returns to Albert Park from 30 March to 2 April. Register Your Interest to find out when tickets go on sale.

"I am pleased that we can confirm six sprints from 2023 onwards," F1® president and CEO Stefano Domenicali said in a statement.

"The feedback from the fans, teams, promoters and partners has been very positive, and we all want to ensure its success in the future."

World champion Max Verstappen qualified top and won both sprint races earlier this season, though he only converted the feat at Imola into a race win, with Charles Leclerc victorious in Austria.

The F1® season continues this weekend in Singapore.

BREAKING: F1 Sprint confirmed to feature at six race weekends from 2023 onwards#F1 pic.twitter.com/94N96qsjaw

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 27, 2022