What is an F1 sprint race?

A 100 km Saturday race with its own qualifying, at six weekends a year, paying 8 points down to 1 for eighth.

A 100 km Saturday race with its own qualifying, at six weekends a year, paying 8 points down to 1 for eighth.

What it is

A short race of about a third of a Grand Prix, roughly 30 minutes, with no compulsory pit stop. Its result does not change the grid for Sunday.

Sprint Qualifying

Friday afternoon, the same knock-out as Qualifying but shorter: 12, 10 and 8 minutes.

Why it matters

Up to 8 extra points, and with only one practice session teams arrive less prepared, so surprises are more likely.

Does the sprint set Sunday’s grid?

No. Saturday’s normal qualifying sets the grid for the Grand Prix.