The biggest headache F1 faces over its sprint race experiments
The news this week that F1 has green-lit 'sprint qualifying' races that will determine the grid for three grands prix in 2021 was met with a blend of excitement and scepticism. But before those in both camps can be vilified, F1 must first work out what its criteria is for success - and what will justify making them a more permanent fixture
Autosport Plus content
The best content from Autosport Plus, our subscription service. <a href="https://www.autosport.com/plus/">Subscribe here</a> to get access to all the features.
Formula 1 sprint races are go. Following the unanimous vote at the F1 Commission earlier this week, this year’s British Grand Prix will witness one of the biggest shake ups in the weekend format we’ve seen for decades. No longer will the driver starting on pole position on Sunday be the one who delivered the fastest lap of the weekend so far. Now, a short 100km race will give us the final grid for the main event.
The change that will be trialled at three events this year (starting at Silverstone) has left some rubbing their hands in glee, but for others it is viewed with great scepticism.
Share Or Save This Story
Russell: Mercedes locked in F1 "battle of fine margins"
Why F1 2026 worst case fears could be key to new rules success
Hamilton: Ferrari F1 switch doesn't need "vindicating"
The story behind Shanghai's "painted" F1 track surprise
Williams may as well “go home” if spares situation changes its F1 approach, says Albon
Aston Martin ‘not convinced’ Alonso would definitely want to stay in F1
What Aston Martin’s curfew burn told us about its F1 upgrade trajectory
Newey: F1’s grid to close up even more before being ‘blown apart’ in 2026
How real-time scrutineering ensures fair and consistent competition in motorsport
How MotoGP brakes work: Secrets of stopping a 220mph bike
Hyundai enacts contingency plan after WRC Kenya fuel issue
Vanwall working on 2025 WEC comeback with heavily-revised Hypercar
Why F1 2026 worst case fears could be key to new rules success
How the F1 driver market situation sits for each team with 2025 openings
What's been going wrong for Leclerc in F1's tiny margins qualifying game
What the Chinese GP's highlights reveal about its first F1 race for five years
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
