F1
Understanding everything about “Sprint Shootout” and the new F1 sprint format
There will therefore be a Sprint Shootout in addition to the traditional qualification in Baku. © DPPI
This weekend, in front of your television, the first of six sprint races of the season will take place on the always very entertaining streets of Baku. On the other hand, forget the sprint format to which you have been accustomed for two years and the first sprint in history contested at Silverstone in 2021, since the World Motor Sport Council has indeed just unanimously voted for a brand new format.
There will still be a Free Practice 1 session on Friday morning, with the traditional qualification for the Grand Prix organized on Friday afternoon. Until then, no change to note compared to the old sprint format, except that qualification no longer governs the starting grid for the sprint race but for the Grand Prix. Saturday, on the other hand, will now be dedicated to the sprint (Saturday Sprint).
Instead of Free Practice 2 in the morning, there will be a second qualifying session, called “Sprint shootout” to avoid any confusion. This, as its name suggests, will determine the starting grid for the sprint race, scheduled for Saturday afternoon. The format of this new qualifying session for the sprint race is directly inspired by the traditional qualifying session, namely a Q1, a Q2 and a Q3.
The time will simply be reduced, with 12 minutes for Q1, 10 for Q2 and 8 for Q3, which could be equivalent to a single lap launched in Q3 depending on traffic or possible yellow or red flags. Also note that the tire compounds will be imposed for the shootout, with Medium rubber for Q1 and Q2, then Soft rubber for Q3. The points allocated for the sprint remain unchanged (8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 point). The weekend is obviously always punctuated by the Grand Prix on Sunday.
Old sprint format:
Friday: Free Practice 1 – Qualification for the Grand Prix
Saturday: Free practice 2 – Sprint race
Sunday: Grand Prix
New sprint format:
Friday: Free Practice 1 – Qualification for the Grand Prix
Saturday: Sprint Shootout – Sprint race
Sunday: Grand Prix
As a reminder, in addition to Baku, five other sprint races will take place in 2023. Spielberg (June 30-July 2), Spa-Francorchamps (July 28-30), Qatar (October 6-8), Austin (October 20-22). ), Interlagos (November 3-5).
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Jacques Gaillez
26/04/2023 at 02:16 a.m.
As on Friday I/we work I will no longer see the GP qualifying live. Besides, if they think we have nothing else to do on the weekend... don't think I'm going to pitch my tent in front of our dear television. My wife and children won't necessarily agree. Already with more than 20 races, how many?, I risk missing them often. Enough is enough. Well, maybe for those who pay by going to the circuits. Although I would prefer other disciplines to fill out the program while waiting for F1. Like in Melbourne apparently. Hey, did you see the crowd during the last 6 hours weekend in Portimao? I'm curious to see the crowds at Spa on Saturday...
RENE BOZEC
26/04/2023 at 07:33 a.m.
That's not what will make me watch F1 again, this series has become completely artificial. Afterwards we will have the segments like in Nascar plus 1 point to the one who has the most beautiful tattoo!
25/04/2023 at 07:11 a.m.
We are slowly heading towards F1 weekends that resemble those of the Moto GP...