The 2023 F1 sprint races have been presented: this time there will be six and they will include some of the most suitable circuits for overtaking.
Through its official website and social channels, the Formula One presented the official list of six sprint races that will take place in the 2023 season.
The sprint race format was introduced for the first time in 2021, then known as Sprint Qualifications, and consists of a short race run on Saturdays in which the riders are called to perform a 100 km Grand Prix.
The final result determines the starting grid of the traditional Sunday race, while that of the Sprint is determined by the conventional format with Q1, Q2 and Q3 held on Friday afternoon.
Since 2022, the format has been renamed simply “Sprint” e awards points to the top eight finishers starting from 8 points for the winner and, gradually, up to a single point for those who finish eighth.
If in 2021 and 2022 there were only three sprint races, starting from 2023 they will double up to six. Now Formula One has announced which will be the stages of next year’s World Championship in which the mini Grand Prix on Saturday will also be held.
F1 2023 sprint races: the complete and official list
So let’s see what the 2023 F1 sprint races will be:
- Azerbaijan – 28/30 April
- Austria – 30 June/2 July
- Belgium – 28/30 July
- Qatar – 6/8 October
- United States – 20/22 October
- Brazil – 3/5 November
Formula One explains that the selection for 2023 has matured following the search for the tracks more suited to the formatincluding overtaking opportunities, close quarters and high speed sections, and is designed to ensure competitive track action throughout the entire selected Grand Prix weekend.
“We’ve seen an overwhelmingly positive reaction to F1 Sprint events during the first two years since its introduction, and we’re looking forward to bringing even more action to the fans with six events next year, including our first ever US F1 Sprint at Austin“said Stefano Domenicali, president and chief executive officer of Formula 1.
“The introduction of the F1 Sprint has created a race weekend that includes three days of competitive action and offers more entertainment for fans of the sport, as well as added value for key stakeholders including teams, broadcasters, partners and host venues“.
Satisfaction also from Mohammed Ben Sulayempresident of the FIA: “Following the strong collaboration between the FIA and FOM and the approval of the World Motor Sport Council, we are delighted to reveal the six events for Sprint for the 2023 season. We look forward to this exciting addition to the calendar“.
The Formula 1 World Championship will start on March 5, 2023 with the Bahrain Grand Prix, which will also host the only test session of the season. We are preparing for the longest calendar ever, with 24 races, if a replacement is found GP of Chinaalso canceled for next year.