F1 | Is the sprint format working? The numbers and a new proposal for the future. Formula 1’s sprint format continues to divide opinions.

F1 | Does the sprint format really work? The data collected and the possible change on the way

Five years after the introduction of the sprint format in Formula 1, new developments appear to be on the horizon. Since 2021, selected rounds of the F1 World Championship have adopted the sprint format: alongside the traditional Sunday Grand Prix, drivers also compete in a shorter race. Over time, the weekend structure has been refined. Today, the schedule includes just one free practice session, followed by the Sprint Shootout, which sets the grid for the Sprint Race. The short race takes place on Saturday, before the standard qualifying session that determines the starting order for Sunday’s Grand Prix.

The feedback has been mixed, as shown by comments from the organizers of two American venues on the calendar. Bobby Epstein, President of COTA in Austin, explained: “We haven’t yet seen a significant change in terms of sales and demand.” He added, however, that the ticket value has increased: “It offers more to the people, it’s more fun.”

Tyler Epp, President of the Miami Grand Prix, gave a different view: “The feedback and data we’ve collected showed that, year after year, our Saturday attendance has grown.”

The goal of Domenicali

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali outlined the situation: “Sprint weekends? We need to understand whether to increase them, how to do it, and whether to introduce different formats. We must discuss with the teams to decide the direction.” He also stressed that despite initial criticism, most fans now appreciate sprint weekends.

“Promoters are pushing for this format, and now even the drivers are showing interest. Free practice appeals to hardcore specialists; those who want more action prefer a sprint weekend.”

Looking ahead, Domenicali added: “I can guarantee that in a few years there will be requests to have all weekends with the same format. I am not saying we will end up like MotoGP, which has a sprint at every round: that would be too big a step.”

So how many short races will we see in the future? For 2026, six sprint weekends have already been confirmed, the same number as in the current season. However, according to information gathered by Autosport, in 2027 the number of sprint events could rise to ten.