Just days after the season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Formula One has introduced the six venues that may host sprint events throughout the 2024 season.
The 2024 F1 calendar is set to embrace six sprint race weekends, which is similar quantity as this 12 months. The sport has revealed that the places of the 2024 sprint events have been chosen in a means that the Sprint calendar options “circuits which encourage overtaking and make for close and entertaining racing.”
Austria and Brazil are set to host their third F1 Sprint, with Austin and Qatar returning for a second 12 months. The Chinese Grand Prix won’t solely return to the F1 calendar after a three-year hiatus, however it should host its first-ever sprint weekend. Hosting its third-ever F1 race, Miami will be part of the F1 Sprint line up for the primary time.
F1 has meant to boost the normal schedule in a means that every day of a grand prix weekend features a aggressive session in that drivers battle for beginning positions or can rating factors. The sport famous: “since its introduction in 2021, the F1 Sprint has had a positive impact on audience figures, especially on Friday compared to regular Free Practice sessions, and has provided promoters and fans with extra competitive on-track action at the six events. For example, at the Azerbaijan GP the broadcast audience for Qualifying was +83% vs 2022 Free Practice 2 session, +139% for the US GP, +34% for the Belgium GP*.”
Speaking of the sprint schedule, Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, mentioned: “I’m delighted to announce six thrilling venues for subsequent season’s F1 Sprint events, together with two new hosts China and Miami, each of which can be improbable additions and present nice racing for all our followers on the race and watching at residence.
“Since its creation in 2021, the Sprint has been constant in delivering elevated audiences on TV, extra on observe leisure for the followers at events and elevated fan engagement on social and digital platforms, and we’re wanting ahead to the thrilling events subsequent 12 months.”
Commenting on the sprint calendar, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, added: “I’m happy to verify the six Sprint events for subsequent season and am wanting ahead to the return of 4 host venues which have offered some thrilling motion in the Sprints this 12 months.
“The addition of Shanghai can be a problem for the groups and drivers as Formula 1 heads again to China for the primary time since 2019, whereas a Sprint in Miami will add a brand new dimension to an enthralling weekend. We should repeatedly develop and adapt to guarantee we’re doing what’s greatest for the game, and as such we’re working with FOM and the groups to outline the long run course of the Sprint format.”
Moreover, the game has confirmed that doable sporting adjustments might come into power relating to the sprint events. However, the Sporting Advisory Committee will focus on potential adjustments to the Sprint format on the first assembly of 2024, with a proposal to be introduced to the F1 Commission for consideration.
It is believed that the schedule may undergo some tweaks, with Friday set to sport the follow session and the sprint shootout. Saturday then may embrace the 100km sprint earlier than drivers chase the perfect lap occasions in the primary qualifying session, with the grand prix itself set to happen on Sunday.
Introducing the 2024 #F1Sprint Calendar! 👊
Six venues will host F1 Sprint events throughout the 2024 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season.#F1 #Formula1 pic.twitter.com/Sv2GOjsWb6
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 5, 2023
