What is a Formula 1 Sprint race?

Before we get started - check out the full F1 2025 schedule and the format of a non-sprint Formula 1 weekend!

What is an F1 Sprint Race?

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Sprint races are quite new to the F1 universe (at least in its current era) and were introduced In 2021.

A sprint race itself is a shorter, 100-kilometer race format that allows drivers to push without the strategic demands of a full race (often excluding any pit stops), intended to spice up the weekend with a “flat-out” race format.

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What is the F1 Sprint weekend format?

Sprint races take place on the Saturday of the Grand Prix weekend with Sprint Qualifying (also referred to as the shootout) taking place on Friday.

The format of the weekend has changed a few times over the years, but as it stands the above graphic shows how weekends will play out in 2025.

In addition to the abbreviated schedule, rule adjustments are in play. Most notably, teams can use any of the three tire compounds (Soft, Medium, Hard) and there is no pit stop requirement. In the past, Sprints would determine the starting grid for the Grand Prix on Sunday, but this format was dispelled as teams and drivers complained about the risk element going into the Grand Prix.

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What is the difference between a Sprint Qualifying and a Grand Prix Qualifying?

Similar to the races themselves, the Sprint Qualifying is slightly different to the Grand Prix Qualifying. Most notably, it's much shorter.

What is the difference between a Sprint Race and a Grand Prix Race?

The Sprint race and full length Grand Prix do not differ too much other than the length and pit-stop/ tire requirements. We will use the 2025 Miami Grand Prix as an example:

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How are F1 Sprint points earned?

Like a full length Grand Prix, Sprint races award points to the highest scoring drivers. However, there are only 36 points in total that can be earned across the grid rather than 102 (including the point for Fastest Lap).

The top 8 drivers split 36 points, with 8 going to first place scaling down to just 1 for the eighth place finisher. The bottom 12 drivers earn nothing.

There is no fastest lap bonus from a Sprint race.

Here is an example from the 2024 Miami F1 Sprint:

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