F1 Sprint Race Changes for 2023

Formula 1 is an ever-changing sport, with multiple factors in place as to why this is. After the success of Drive To Survive, Formula 1 has experienced an explosive interest rise, and are always looking for new ways to please its viewers and sponsors. The newest change came as somewhat of a surprise and is to be implemented at the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The Grand Prix will showcase the new “Sprint Shootout”, and the new layout of a sprint race weekend. 

 
We were first introduced to the sprint race in 2021 where there was a qualification run on Friday, determining the grid order for the sprint race. The results of the sprint race would then determine the grid order for the main Grand Prix race on Sunday.  

Why Change? 

As previously mentioned, Formula 1 is a money-driven sport where investors, sponsors and fans needs their needs met. With the current Free Practice sessions being extremely valuable for the teams’ technical staff and mechanics, the fans do not get enough entertainment from it. By changing the free practices to events offering points, the engagement will go up.  

Here’s how the new Sprint Shootout and race layout looks for the Sprint weekends: 

Saturdays are now allocated for the Sprint Race only

Medium tyres are mandatory for Q1 and Q2. Soft tyres are mandatory for Q3.

Scepticism: 

Even though the changes bring more excitement and more points up for grabs, some are also sceptical to the new changes. As the qualification for the actual Grand Prix is set on Friday, many see the new Saturday schedule as a points opportunity only tailored for better performing teams. 

The subject was discussed on the P1 with Matt and Tommy podcast. Matt put out the question: “For smaller teams that are often at the back of the grid: Why would they use their allocation of parts for a shorter race with fewer points?” With such high risk in parts failure and crashes, many are sceptical to the smaller teams’ potential low reward.  

The Sprint Race points system will remain the same. The eight best positions will receive points, gradually going for 8 pts to 1 pt.

Note that the change will only be valid for Sprint Race Weekends. Here’s how the current qualification run works on race weekends without a sprint race: 

The current qualifying system used in Formula 1 is a knockout-style format that consists of three rounds: Q1, Q2, and Q3. 

In Q1, all 20 cars have 18 minutes to set their fastest lap time. The five slowest drivers are then eliminated and will start the race in positions 16-20. 

In Q2, the remaining 15 cars have 15 minutes to set their fastest lap time. Again, the five slowest drivers are eliminated and will start the race in positions 11-15. 

Finally, in Q3, the remaining 10 cars have 12 minutes to set their fastest lap time. This session determines the top 10 positions on the grid for the race, with the driver who sets the fastest lap time taking pole position. 

In each round, drivers can set as many laps as they like within the time limit. However, they must use the same set of tires for both Q1 and Q2, while in Q3, they can use a fresh set of tires. 

If a driver sets a time that exceeds 107% of the fastest time set in Q1, they will not be allowed to start the race, unless there are exceptional circumstances such as a technical problem during the qualifying session. 

This qualifying system is designed to create an exciting and unpredictable grid for each race, with drivers needing to balance speed and tire management to ensure they progress through each round and secure a good starting position for the race. 

Tune in to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix through Viaplay