Formula 1 Sprint Qualification Process: How Does It Work

The Sprint race in Formula 1 is effectively a mini version of the fully-fledged Grand Prix, providing fans with extra excitement and acting as a precursor to racing for newcomers.

True to its name, Sprint is a short race taking place over just 100km – around one-third of the standard Grand Prix distance. There are no mandatory pit stops, so it’s a straightforward race to the line. The driver passing the Chequered Flag first wins. Its a display of pure speed and overtaking prowess without any complicated strategy.

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Formula 1 sprint qualification process

The sprint weekends, introduced in 2021, had the Friday qualifying session setting the grid for the sprint and the result of the sprint establishing the grid for the main grand prix.

From 2023, Sprint qualifying has three sessions, where the five slowest cars are eliminated from the first two – like normal qualifying.

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These sessions, known as SQ1, SQ2 and SQ3, last 12, 10 and eight minutes respectively.

This will make up the grid for the sprint race, which is 100km.

Sprint qualifying takes place on Friday, after the only practice session of the weekend.

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The 100km sprint is the first track action on Saturday. Qualifying for the main race is in its usual spot as the second session on Saturday. The main Grand Prix race is held on Sunday.

Lewis Hamilton secured his first Ferrari victory in the China sprint in March. The other sprint races take place in Miami, from 2-4 May, before Belgium, the US Grand Prix in Austin, Sao Paulo and Qatar.

Also Read: Lewis Hamilton Post First Win For Ferrari At Chinese Grand Prix Sprint

The top eight finishers score points, from eight for first place to one for eighth spot, which will get added to the overall drivers’ championship standings.