Formula One has announced that the 2023 season will feature a total of six Sprint events, which means the total number of Sprints have doubled from those held in 2021 and 2022. The decision comes after the FIA World Motor Sport Council approved it following a e-voting process.
Sprints were first introduced in 2021 and are held on Saturdays, with Fridays hosting Qualifying. The Qualifying grid sets the grid for the Sprint sessions, which are a 100km dash with the final positions deciding the final starting grid for Sunday’s race.
While Silverstone, Interlagos and Monza held the Sprint events in 2021, the 2022 season has seen the Sprint held at the Red Bull Ring and Imola, with the final Sprint of the season set to be held at Interlagos in Brazil.
The Sprint events also provide the drivers with crucial points which are added to the final Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.
Also read: F1: What is Sprint Qualifying and why is it implemented?
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President, FIA, commented:
“The confirmation that six race weekends featuring Sprint will take place from the 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship season onwards is another example of the continued growth and prosperity at the highest level of motor sport. Thanks to close collaboration with Stefano Domenicali and our colleagues at FOM, we concluded a thorough analysis on the impact of additional Sprint sessions, and have adjusted relevant parameters of our work to ensure that they continue to be regulated at the very highest level.
“Sprint sessions provide an exciting dynamic to the race weekend format and have proven to be popular over the past two seasons – I am sure that this positive trend will continue and am pleased that the World Motor Sport Council has today given its approval for them to go ahead.“
Stefano Domenicali, CEO and President, Formula One, added:
“I am pleased that we can confirm six Sprints will be part of the Championship from 2023 onwards, building on the success of the new format introduced for the first time in 2021. The Sprint provides action across three days with the drivers all fighting for something right from the start on Friday through to the main event on Sunday – adding more drama and excitement to the weekend. The feedback from the fans, teams, promoters, and partners has been very positive and the format is adding a new dimension to Formula 1, and we all want to ensure its success in the future.“
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