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What is an F1 sprint race?
The format
| Day | Session |
|---|---|
| Friday | Practice 1 → Sprint Qualifying |
| Saturday | Sprint → Qualifying (for Sunday) |
| Sunday | Grand Prix |
Sprint Qualifying is a shorter version of regular qualifying. The Sprint itself is about 100 km with no mandatory pit stop, so it’s flat out from start to finish.
Points
The top eight score 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. The Sprint is separate from Sunday: its result doesn’t set the Grand Prix grid. More in how points work.
2026 sprint weekends
China, Miami, Canada, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Singapore. Check our calendar for times in your zone.
Is it worth watching?
Yes, especially if you’re new. It’s a short, all-action race with no complicated strategy. It’s a great way to learn the drivers before committing to a full Grand Prix.
FAQ
Which races are sprint weekends in 2026?
China, Miami, Canada, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Singapore.
Do drivers have to pit in a sprint?
No. There's no mandatory pit stop in a Sprint, so most drivers run the whole distance on one set of tyres.
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Make your picks →Keep reading
How does an F1 race weekend work?
Practice, qualifying, sprints and the Grand Prix: what happens on each day of a Formula 1 weekend, and which sessions are worth watching.
How F1 points work
How many points F1 drivers and teams score per race and sprint, how the two championships work, and how ties are broken.
How F1 qualifying works: Q1, Q2 and Q3 explained
How Formula 1 qualifying sets the starting grid, how the knockout format works, and why pole position matters so much.
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