What is a sprint race and how are the points calculated?
Sprint races and sprint shootouts have come to be known for their fast-paced action, fierce competition, and thrilling finishes. Sprint races and sprint shootouts are fascinating for both drivers and spectators because they add a strategic element to the contest. Teams and drivers must make quick decisions on tyre selection, pit stops, and race strategy with less time on the course. This adds an element of surprise to the races, making them even more electrifying for fans, and the Qatar Grand Prix will host a Sprint Race and Sprint Shootout in 2023, adding to the excitement of the event because the Qatar races have always been known for their high-speed tracks and challenging corners, making it an ideal location for a Sprint Race. This configuration will undoubtedly result in more wheel-to-wheel combat as drivers compete for position over a shorter race distance.
The United States Grand Prix is also one of the sprint races in the 2023 Formula 1 Calendar, a thrilling track with 20 different curves, corners, and changes of speed inside the 5.5 kilometre of asphalt. The Circuit of the Americas is well renowned as America's coolest city, with fantastic restaurants and a thriving nightlife. When the race begins, you'll be in attendance at one of the world's best modern racetracks. Check the special edition collection of the 2023 Season for Austin GP on Fueler.
Formula 1 are spoiling us with the Grande Premio De Sao Paulo Brazil 2023 Grand Prix, this will be an immaculate sprint race to spectate, which takes place over 71 laps of the 4.3-kilometre Autodromo Jose Carlose Pace Circuit. Brazil is the perfect location to host the grand prix due to the nature of the circuit and the varied weather often means exciting and unpredictable races. Check the special edition collection of the 2023 Season for Brazil GP on Fueler.
The selection of these events is researched to find the best suitable tracks for the f1 sprint format including overtaking Oppurtunites, close racing and high-speed section. This will ensure the competitive actions for fans across the globe. Formula 1 has had a significant boost of 40% in viewership compared to regular races. The popularity of F1 gear has also increased due to their neat designs, good quality and exclusivity like Lewis Hamilton’s #44 USA SE cap.
How does the Sprint Shootout work?
The Sprint Shootout is a shorter qualifying session that replaces FP2 and follows the same three-session knockout format as ordinary qualifying, but each Q1, Q2, and Q3 section has been trimmed to tackle the teams' engine and tyre issues.
SQ1 has been shortened from 18 minutes to 12 minutes.
SQ2 has been shortened from 15 minutes to 10 minutes.
SQ3 has been shortened from 12 minutes to 8 minutes.
The goal is for each car to have only one flying lap in each session, although two runs could be done in SQ1, while SQ2 and SQ3 would allow for two timed laps with no pitstops in between attempts. The other major difference between the Sprint Shootout and ordinary qualifying will be tyre usage restrictions. While teams are free to utilise any of their available tyres in ordinary qualifying, new sets of medium tyres will be required in SQ1 and SQ2 of the Sprint Shootout. Drivers in SQ3 must use soft tyres, but they do not have to be brand new. You can check the 1:2 pole position Pirelli tyre from Fueler.
How does a Sprint race work?
A Sprint Race is a shorter version of the classic race format, consisting of a 100km race that lasts approximately 30 minutes. It is intended to be more dramatic and action-packed, with drivers pushing their cars to their limits in less time. This format first introduced in Formula One in 2021.
What's changed?
- The main difference is that the outcome of Saturday's shorter race will no longer determine the grid for Sunday's Grand Prix (as it did in 2021-2022), with that now determined by Friday's qualifying session.
- Whoever is fastest on Friday evening will start from the pole position on Sunday.
- The Sprint Shootout will now take place on Saturday morning, replacing Practise Two on the weekend programme.
Why has there been a change?
The main reason for this change is to try to improve the entertainment and spectacle of the Sprint weekend. With the Sprint no longer determining the Grand Prix grid, the expectation is that it will encourage drivers to be more aggressive and take more risks during the 100km event, knowing that an incident would not risk their chances on Sunday. It also gives Saturday morning additional importance. Due to F1 rules, Saturday's Practise Two session was practically rendered worthless under the previous structure - after vehicles leave the garage in qualifying on Friday, teams are unable to make any alterations to their set-ups.
What is the points system for the Sprint?
The Sprint points for 2023 are the same as they were in 2022 and In the Sprint, unlike the Sunday Grand Prix, there is no point for fastest lap. The top eight finishers in Saturday's race will receive 36 points. This is distributed as follows:
- 1st place - 8 points
- 2nd place - 7 points
- 3rd place - 6 points
- 4th place - 5 points
- 5th place - 4 points
- 6th place - 3 points
- 7th place - 2 points
- 8th place - 1 point
To summarise, sprint races and sprint shootouts are two thrilling types of motorsport events that provide an exciting experience for both fans and drivers. These races feature nonstop action and keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very finish, thanks to their short distances, standing starts, mandatory pit stops, and knockout formats. Sprint races and sprint shootouts are worth checking out no matter whether you are a racing lover or just seeking for some high-speed entertainment.
The Formula One CEO, Stefano Domenicali, has stated that, despite the increase to 24 races next year, the number of sprint events would remain the same. The 2024 season will begin with an exciting, amazing, and exhilarating circuit in Melbourne, Australia, famed for its fast and flowing layout. This will be the first Sprint Race staged at the legendary Albert Park circuit. The second sprint race of the season is held in the historic Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, Italy. This challenging circuit, with its tight bends and undulating terrain, challenges the drivers' skills to the maximum and presents the viewers with a thrilling sight.
The third Sprint Race, scheduled for 2024, will take place in Portimão, Portugal. Known for its dramatic elevation changes and sweeping bends, this course will provide drivers with a unique challenge during the sprint race. The scenic beach environment adds to the event's overall attractiveness. The event following Portugal is the most popular circuit in Formula One and was voted by fans to be the ultimate Sprint Race. The quick and flowing nature of this track provides several overtaking opportunities and keeps fans on their toes during an action-packed weekend. So, fuel yourself with merchandise that reflect your love for pace from Fueler .
