A sprint race is a short, standalone race held on Saturday at select Formula 1 race weekends — typically around six per season. Sprint races cover approximately 100 kilometres and last between 20 and 30 minutes. Points are awarded to the top eight finishers, with eight points for first place down to one point for eighth. The sprint race result does not determine Sunday’s main race grid, which is set by a separate qualifying session. Sprint races were introduced in 2021 to create additional racing action on Saturdays.
Example: He takes victory in the sprint race — that’s eight points and a real boost in confidence before the main race tomorrow.
Sprint race results do not determine the main race grid — Sunday’s grid is always set by a separate qualifying session held earlier in the weekend.
See Also: