The Formula 1® Sprint Race format explained
Wednesday, 14 July 2021
The regular race week is getting a shake-up.
The Formula 1® weekend is set for a shake-up in Silverstone this week with the introduction of the Sprint Qualifying Race. This post will explain how the weekend will be different from usual, including how the F1® Sprint will work.
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Weekend Format
With the introduction of the F1® Sprint, there has been a shake-up to how the race weekend will work. Friday will start with 60-minutes for Practice 1, followed by the standard Q1, Q2 and Q3 Qualifying format.
The tyre choice for Qualifying has changed, with only the soft tyres permitted. Therefore, drivers will start the race on Sunday with any compound, rather than what they qualified on in Q2.
Saturday will start with 60-minutes for Practice 2 before the F1® Sprint race takes place in the afternoon (local time).
Sunday will run as usual, with the Grand Prix race run over the standard distance.
This weekends format will increase the interest in the track action on Friday and create an overall better experience for fans at the track and watching at home.
🚫 No compulsory pit stops
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 26, 2021
🚦 DRS in action
🏃 100km of pure sprint action
🏆 Points to top three: 3-2-1
We can’t wait! 🤩#F1 pic.twitter.com/bcuvG07kJN
F1® Sprint race
The F1® Sprint race will be a short 100km event that will last around 30 minutes. The fast-paced racing spectacle will mean drivers push the entire race and won’t need to or be required to pit.
For the Silverstone F1® Sprint, drivers will complete 17 laps.
The finishing order will set the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix, with points only awarded to the first three placegetters. Three points for the winner, two for second place and one point for third. A short presentation will follow.
Other F1® Sprint race weekends
There will be three F1® Sprint weekends this season, with Silverstone being the first. The following two are yet to be announced by Formula 1®.
What time does the 2021 British Grand Prix start in Australia?
View all the information for those in Australia wanting to watch the 2021 British Grand Prix by clicking here.
