Formula 1 has unveiled the six venues that will host Sprint races during the 2024 season.
Austria and Brazil will welcome the format for the third consecutive year, while Austin and Qatar will embark on their second Sprint adventures. Newcomers China and Miami round out the 2024 Sprint calendar, marking their debuts in the format.
The selection of these circuits is no coincidence. Each venue is carefully chosen to encourage overtaking and close racing, ensuring that fans witness a genuine competition in its own right.
However, the Sprint format has rarely delivered on its promise of providing captivating battles and setting the stage for an even more dramatic Grand Prix on Sunday.
At a meeting of the FIA’s F1 Commission in Aby Dhabi last month, it was agreed that discussions would take place over the coming weeks as to what changes could be made to the sprint race format in 2024, including the possibility of setting up a complete standalone sprint championship
Reverse grids, cash prizes, parc ferme rule changes and alterations to the weekend timetable have also been proposed, along with suggestions that the sprint races should have different tyre criteria.
The FIA’s Sporting Advisory Committee will delve into the specifics of these potential changes and its findings will be presented to the F1 Commission for approval, and any modifications to the Sprint format will be announced following the commission's first meeting of 2024.
As Formula One continues to evolve, the Sprint format stands as a testament to the sport's commitment to innovation and fan engagement. With its potential to enhance the on-track spectacle and attract new audiences, the Sprint format is poised to play an even more prominent role in the future of Formula One.
“I am delighted to announce six exciting venues for next season’s F1 Sprint events, including two new hosts China and Miami, both of which will be fantastic additions and provide great racing for all our fans at the race and watching at home,” said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.
“Since its creation in 2021, the Sprint has been consistent in delivering increased audiences on TV, more on track entertainment for the fans at events and increased fan engagement on social and digital platforms, and we are looking forward to the exciting events next year.”
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, added: “I’m pleased to confirm the six Sprint events for next season and am looking forward to the return of four host venues that have provided some thrilling action in the Sprints this year.
“The addition of Shanghai will be a challenge for the teams and drivers as Formula 1 heads back to China for the first time since 2019, while a Sprint in Miami will add a new dimension to an enthralling weekend. We must continuously develop and adapt to ensure we are doing what is best for the sport, and as such we are working with FOM and the teams to define the future direction of the Sprint format.”
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