FIA have approved a new Sprint Qualifying format for Formula One at three Grands Prix throughout the 2021 season.
As part of the changes, there will be change to the traditional race weekend with Free Practice One followed by traditional Qualifying in place of FP2, with the results of that Qualifying session setting the grid for the Sprint Qualifying Race on the Saturday across 100km.
F1 and the FIA have agreed with all ten teams that only the top three finishers of the Sprint Qualifying will be awarded points, with the winner getting three points ahead of the runner-up getting two points and the third-placed finisher will get just one point.
The results of the Sprint Qualifying will then set the starting grid for the traditional race on the Sunday.
It is unknown which three Grands Prix will play host to this new trial Sprint Qualifying format.
All cars will enter parc ferme conditions from the main Qualifying session on the Friday, in a move to try and stop teams designing ‘Qualifying cars’ and limit preparation time ahead of the Sprint Qualifying race and ensure that Saturday’s practice session is relevant.
FIA however have stipulated that in the event of wet weather, three sets of Wet and four set of Intermediate tyres will be allocated to each driver, with an additional set of intermediates to be handed out if FP1 or Qualifying is wet in exchanged for used Intermediates prior to Sprint Qualifying.
Should Sprint Qualifying be held under wet conditions, teams can exchange one set of used wet or Intermediate tyres for a new set of Intermediates, with a maximum of nine sets of wet and Intermediates permitted in total.
FIA President, Jean Todt has praised the new format and argued that F1 will “enlarge the spectacle of a race weekend” with this format in their bid to engage with fans in a new manner.
F1 President and CEO, Stefano Domenicali is “excited” about launching Sprint Qualifying, saying; “Seeing the drivers battling it out over three days will be an amazing experience and I am sure the drivers will relish the fight.”
It is hoped that this new format will increase the on-track action and engage fans, whilst rewarding drivers and teams on merit but offer slower teams the chance to fight their way through the field on Saturdays in order to boost their race chances on a Sunday.
How will New Weekend Format Work?
Under the new format, FP1 will remain in it’s normal Friday slot but FP2 will be displaced with the normal qualifying format with only five sets of soft tyres available.
FP2 will move into FP3’s slot on Saturday mornings with FP3 omitted from the race weekend, as Sprint Qualifying will take place on a Saturday afternoon over 100km with the finishing order setting the starting grid for the main race on the Sunday.
| Day | Session |
| Friday | FP1 |
| Friday | Qualifying |
| Saturday | FP2 |
| Saturday | Sprint Qualifying |
| Sunday | Race |
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