SUMMARY
- Formula 1 introduces new sprint weekend format with changes to DRS and power unit allocations.
- FIA and F1 teams collaborate in 2024 F1 season schedule in recent commission meeting.
Formula 1 has recently released its all-new sprint weekend setup alongside modifications to DRS activation and power unit allotments. The FIA and F1 teams had come together for the mapping of a fresh timetable for the 2024 F1 season. The entities have discussed sprint race setup for the upcoming campaign at a commission meeting held on Monday, February 5, at the FOM offices.
When sprint races made a debut in F1, the qualifying session decided the sprint race grid, while the sprint race outcomes impacted the main race grid. In 2023, the FIA introduced a new sprint shootout session to carve out the sprint race from the Grand Prix event. The new format had practice and main race qualifying on Friday, sprint shootout and sprint race on Saturday, and the usual race on Sunday.
In the extensive 2024 season, the sprint shootout and main race qualifying sessions seem to have switched positions.
2024 F1 sprint format: A comprehensive guide
Yesterday, F1 released details on its new sprint weekend format for 2024.
Friday: FP1 + Sprint Qualifying
Saturday: Sprint Race + GP Qualifying
Sunday: Grand PrixWill this be an improvement? Are you now looking forward to the Sprints? pic.twitter.com/MZ8rzIu6HH
— The Race (@wearetherace) February 6, 2024
- Friday – Free Practice 1 and Sprint Qualifying.
- Saturday – Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying.
- Sunday – Grand Prix.
2024 sprint event schedule: When is the first sprint race?
In the modern era, Formula 1 Grand Prix races have transcended mere sporting events. However, ever since the sprint races were introduced, it has garnered viewership numbers comparable to Sunday races. The F1 2024 calendar will kick off with the Bahrain Grand Prix, scheduled from February 29 to March 2.
📆2024 F1 Calendar
🇨🇳Chinese GP is back. #F1 pic.twitter.com/j4R0GbjuSx
— Matthew J. Thompson🇬🇧 (@realMJThompson) July 5, 2023
Although, respecting the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, both the Bahrain Grand Prix and the subsequent Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will conduct race days on Saturdays. The Sprint weekend for 2024 will take place with the Chinese Grand Prix, in Shanghai from April 19 to 21. Last year, the F1 season excluded this race for varying reasons.
Following China, the subsequent sprint races will take place in Miami, Austria (Spielberg), the United States (Austin), Brazil (Sao Paulo), and Qatar (Lusail).