F1 SPRINT: HOW IT WORKS

Formula One is set for the biggest change to its schedule in the modern era with the introduction of

F1 Sprint at this weekend’s British Grand Prix. Here, Express Sport answers the key questions:

What is F1 Sprint?

The race takes place on Saturday afternoon and replaces traditional qualifying. The finishing order of the Sprint determines the grid for Sunday’s main event, the British Grand Prix. F1 bosses hope it will spice up the weekend format and attract a younger audience.

How long will it be?

The Sprint will be one third the distance of a traditional Grand Prix, or 62 miles. At Silverstone, that equates to 17 laps with the race set to take around 30 minutes.

Are points available?

Yes. Three points to the winner, two to the runner-up and one for third place. They will count towards both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. There will be no podium after the Sprint, with F1 chiefs keen to retain the prestige of a Grand Prix, and the result will not count towards official statistics. The winning driver will instead be accredited with a pole position on their record.

How is the grid determined?

Qualifying will be brought forward from Saturday to Friday, replacing second practice. It will have a later start time of 6pm in a bid to generate a bigger TV audience.

Will pit stops be mandatory?

No. The premise of the Sprint is a flat-out dash to the finish line with a free choice of tyre compounds: soft, medium or hard.

Is F1 Sprint here to stay?

F1 motorsport boss Ross Brawn hopes the concept will be a success but insists he will not push it through for 2022 if the feedback is negative. F1 Sprint will also be trialled in Monza at September’s Italian Grand Prix, and again at one of the United States or Brazilian GPs towards the end of the season. Brawn is keen on doubling the number of Sprints from three to six in 2022.