After wrapping up the first weekend in Australia, F1 is back on track for the Chinese GP, featuring the Sprint Race. This special format was also present last year in Shanghai, and the event was well received by fans. With intense battles between drivers and closely matched teams, we’ll see if this year delivers the same on-track action. The weekend differs from the usual schedule, and below is an explanation of how it works in 2025.
Format Information
The Sprint Race was introduced in Formula 1 in the 2022 season. Initially, there were only three weekends featuring this format, but now the number has increased to six. Circuits are usually selected where on-track battles are expected to be frequent. This season, the chosen venues are China, Miami, Spa, Austin, Brazil, and Qatar. Some rumors suggest that in the future, the number of these short races could increase or even become the standard format, similar to MotoGP.
This season, the regulations will be slightly different from when the format debuted. The weekend will begin with Free Practice 1, the only practice session on the schedule. Friday will conclude with the Sprint Qualifying session, which determines the grid for the Sprint Race. The difference from standard qualifying is the reduced duration of the rounds and the limited availability of tires.
On Saturday, the Sprint Race will take place, lasting approximately 100 km (about one-third of the full race distance). This short race does not require pit stops, meaning there is no obligation to use at least two different tire compounds. The points system is scaled down in proportion to the race distance, with only the top eight finishers earning points. After the Sprint, also on Saturday, the main Qualifying session will set the final grid for the full-length race on Sunday.
Additional Details
For the Chinese GP, F1 is using the Sprint Race format, which has undergone several changes over the years. This season, as in the previous one, the first and only practice session will last 90 minutes instead of 60. This gives teams more time to fine-tune their setups for the weekend. Sprint Qualifying also differs from standard qualifying, as teams must use new medium tires in SQ1 and SQ2, while soft tires are allowed in the final round.
There is also an unusual penalty system. Grid penalties from Free Practice or standard Qualifying will apply to the main race. Penalties from Sprint Qualifying will be served in the Sprint Race, while those incurred in the Sprint Race will be applied to the Sunday Grand Prix.
Sprint Race Points System
1st place – 8 points
2nd place – 7 points
3rd place – 6 points
4th place – 5 points
5th place – 4 points
6th place – 3 points
7th place – 2 points
8th place – 1 point
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