Austrian GP: 2nd sprint format of the season
The F1 returns to Europe after a detour to Canada, and we will have a sprint format this weekend, the second of the season after Azerbaijan.
This weekend in Austria, the drivers will return to the sprint format of 2023, which is more suitable and less punishing. Discovered earlier in the season in Baku, it was relatively well received by the drivers and the fans. It’s worth noting that in Spielberg, this is the second consecutive year with a sprint format!
On Friday, there will be a practice session and a qualifying session which will determine the starting grid for the Grand Prix.
It is on Saturday that the sprint format comes to disrupt the organization. There will be, at first, a sprint qualifying called “Sprint Shootout,” consisting of a SQ1 and SQ2 with mandatory medium tires, before the SQ3 with soft tires.
These three sessions will determine the starting grid for the afternoon sprint race. It will last approximately 100 km and award points from 8th to 1st position, with one point for 8th place and eight points for the first.
On Sundays, nothing changes. The drivers will line up on the grid based on Friday’s qualifying. It’s only on Saturday that is dedicated to the sprint format.
