The Australian GP kicked off the 2026 F1 season and the next pit stop is Shanghai. The Chinese Formula 1 gets underway on March 13, which will host the first of six race events this season. The format remains the same as last year, but with one change: the six slowest cars will now be eliminated in the first two qualifying sessions instead of five, thanks to the arrival of Cadillac on the grid. Sprint qualifying takes place on Friday after the only practice session of the weekend, followed by the 100km race on Saturday. The main qualifying session and the Grand Prix then follow in their usual positions.
What is F1 Sprint?
Introduced in 2021, the race format adds a short Saturday race to make the weekend fun. It ensures competitive action on all three days. Long qualifying races will be held on Friday, followed by the 100km race on Saturday, and the Grand Prix on Sunday. Short races last about 30 minutes, with no mandatory pit stops, and give fans more racing to watch.
Sprint Weekend format
- Friday: One hour Practice, Sprint Qualifying (SQ1, SQ2, SQ3).
- Saturday: 100 km Sprint race, followed by full Qualifying.
- Sunday: Grand Prix.
Short sprint qualifying sessions last 12, 10 and 8 minutes respectively, tire restrictions are used: solids in SQ1 and SQ2, and smooth in SQ3.
How Sprint Features Work?
Sprint Qualifying is the session that sets the grid for Saturday’s Sprint races. It follows the same knockout format as regular qualifying but with shorter intervals and stricter tire rules.
Here’s how it works:
- SQ1 (12 minutes): All cars participate, and the six slowest are eliminated. Drivers must use a clean set of medium tires.
- SQ2 (10 minutes): The remaining cars race, and again the six slowest are eliminated. Moderate tires are a must here too.
- SQ3 (8 minutes): The fastest cars race for pole position in the Sprint. Soft tires are needed, new or used.
The goal is to keep each session short enough that most drivers have time for one or two laps to fly. This makes every cycle count and increases the pressure to deliver immediately.
Sprint Qualifying results determine the starting order for Saturday’s 100km Sprint race. Unlike Grand Prix qualifying, Sprint Qualifying does not set the grid for Sunday’s race – which comes later in the day after the Sprint itself.
This format ensures that fans get competitive action on all three days of the race weekend: practice on Friday, Sprint Qualifying on Friday afternoon, Racing on Saturday morning, then full Qualifying later on Saturday before the Grand Prix on Sunday.
Points System
The top eight finishers in the race are scored, from 8 points for first place down to 1 point for eighth. These points are added to the drivers’ championship standings, making the race an important part of the season.
Sprint Hall in 2026
Six races will feature the sprint format this year:
- China – March 14
- Miami – May 2
- Canada – May 23
- Silverstone – July 4th
- Zandvoort – August 22
- Singapore – October 10
Canada, the Netherlands, and Singapore will host races for the first time, with Silverstone returning after debuting its design in 2021.
Famous Events
At last year’s Chinese Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton won his first race for Ferrari, beating McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
Hole Dimensions and Vehicle Configuration
Pit stops are rare in sprints due to the short distances. Teams can choose any tire compound, but usually stick to one race set. Cars enter the parc ferme after qualifying but are released after Saturday’s race, allowing teams to fine-tune their settings before the main qualifying session.
How to Buy Tickets for the F1 Sprint Weekend
Fans wishing to experience the excitement of the F1 Sprint weekend can purchase tickets directly through the official Formula 1 website or from authorized ticketing partners. Each Sprint weekend is part of a Grand Prix event, so tickets are sold as part of the overall race package rather than separate from the Sprint itself.
When buying a ticket, you can choose from:
General admission: Access to open spaces around the circuit, often the cheapest option.
Prime seat sets: Reserved seats with excellent views of the track, including corners and straightaways where overlap is common.
Hospitality packages: Premium events with exclusive lounges, food, drinks, and sometimes pit lane access.
Weekend passes: Covering all three days of action – Friday’s practice and Sprint Qualifying, Saturday’s Sprint Qualifying and Grand Prix, and Sunday’s main race.
