Explaining Formula 1’s New Sprint Weekend Format for 2024 Ahead of Miami Grand Prix

Formula 1’s new Sprint weekend format for 2024 is set to make its return at the Miami Grand Prix, with some significant changes in store. The new format aims to provide more excitement and unpredictability for fans and teams alike.

The weekend will kick off with a single free practice session on Friday, followed by Sprint Qualifying later in the day. Saturday will feature the 100km Sprint contest, with full Qualifying taking place later in the day to set the grid for the Grand Prix on Sunday. This change in order allows for teams to make crucial setup changes based on the knowledge gained from the Sprint before heading into full Qualifying.

The Sprint Qualifying format remains the same, with three shorter sessions – SQ1, SQ2, and SQ3 – where each car will have one flying lap in each session. Points are awarded to the top eight finishers in the Sprint, with a total of 36 points up for grabs.

Pit stops are rare in the Sprint due to its short duration, and drivers are free to run on any tyre compound they choose. The Sprint weekends will take place at six different locations throughout the 2024 season, starting with China and ending in Qatar.

Max Verstappen has been the dominant force in previous Sprints, winning seven out of 12 races. However, other drivers like Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas have also claimed victory in the Sprint format.

The Miami Grand Prix will be the first Sprint weekend of the season, with a packed schedule of events leading up to the main race on Sunday. Fans can catch all the action live on Sky Sports F1, with coverage of the entire weekend’s events.