what is an f1 sprint race

An F1 sprint race is a shortened version of a normal race, taking place over a shorter distance of 100km. It was introduced in 2021 as a way to add more excitement to the race weekend and provide a new format to contrast the traditional grand prix weekend schedule. The sprint race takes place on Saturday of a grand prix weekend, with ‘sprint shootout’ qualifying in the morning, followed by the sprint race itself in the afternoon, which is typically less than a third of a standard grand prix distance. The winner of the sprint race receives eight championship points, reducing by one point for each subsequent position down to eighth place, which receives one point. The sprint race is the same length and format as 2022, equivalent to a 100km race, with points on offer for the top eight finishers. The tyre rules are different for the sprint race, with only soft tyres permitted throughout, and teams and drivers are free to start Sunday’s race on any compound, rather than having to run the tyre they qualify on in Q2.