Sprint qualifying — sometimes called sprint shootout — is a short qualifying session held at select Formula 1 race weekends that determines the starting order for the sprint race. It follows a similar knockout format to regular qualifying but with shorter time limits. Sprint qualifying does not affect the grid for the main race on Sunday; a separate qualifying session is held for that. It was introduced to add variety and additional competitive action to sprint race weekends, giving fans more track time to watch.
Example: Sprint qualifying is about to begin — these results set the grid for tomorrow’s sprint race, not the main event on Sunday.
Sprint qualifying sets the grid for the sprint race — not for the grand prix. A separate qualifying session determines Sunday’s race grid.
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