F1 To Debut Sprint Qualifying At Three 2021 Grands Prix

Formula 1 has announced that it will debut a new Sprint Qualifying format at three Grands Prix throughout the 2021 calendar, after the FIA reached an agreement with F1 and all 10 teams on the grid.

The new format will take place at two European venues as well as one non-European venue this year, with the locations still set to be announced.

The move would create a new way of qualifying for the traditional Sunday race day, with drivers battling it out over 100km on the Saturday afternoon, with the result then deciding the starting grid for the next day’s full distance Grand Prix.

In turn, the Sprint Qualifying grid will be decided on Friday afternoon using the current qualifying format, with cars entering Parc Ferme conditions from the start of Friday qualifying. In addition, F1 says there will still be one 60-minute practice session on both Friday and Saturday mornings as usual.

Meanwhile, the top three finishers in Saturday’s Sprint Qualifying will also receive points, usually only given out on Sundays. Three points will be on offer for first place, two points for second, and one point for third.

“We are excited by this new opportunity that will bring our fans an even more engaging race weekend in 2021,” said Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali.

“Seeing the drivers battling it out over three days will be an amazing experience and I am sure the drivers will relish the fight.

“I am delighted that all the teams supported this plan, and it is a testament to our united efforts to continue to engage our fans in new ways while ensuring we remain committed to the heritage and meritocracy of our sport.”

FIA President Jean Todt, added: “I am pleased to see that Formula 1 is seeking new ways to engage with its fans and enlarge the spectacle of a race weekend through the concept of Sprint Qualifying. It was made possible thanks to the continued collaboration between the FIA, Formula 1, and all of the teams.

“F1 is showing itself to be stronger than ever with all stakeholders working together in this way, and much has been done to ensure that the sporting, technical and financial aspects of the format are fair.”