F1 Sprint Races in 2025: Format, Schedule, and Key Changes Explained

A detailed breakdown of the 2025 F1 sprint race format, schedule, and points system, including comparisons to previous years.

The 2025 Formula 1 season will feature six sprint races, continuing the format introduced in 2024. These high-intensity events are designed to add excitement to race weekends while testing driver skill in shorter, competitive sessions.

2025 F1 Sprint Race Format

  • Friday Schedule:
    • Single free practice session
    • Sprint qualifying (SQ1, SQ2, SQ3)
  • Saturday Action:
    • Sprint race (100km)
    • Main Grand Prix qualifying
  • Sunday:
    • Traditional Grand Prix race (unchanged format)

Sprint Qualifying Details:

  1. SQ1: 12-minute session, slowest 5 cars eliminated
  2. SQ2: 10-minute session, next 5 slowest eliminated
  3. SQ3: 8-minute session to determine top 10 grid positions

Sprint Race Points System:

Position Points
1st 8
2nd 7
3rd 6
4th 5
5th 4
6th 3
7th 2
8th 1

2025 Sprint Race Schedule

  1. March 21-23: Chinese Grand Prix (Shanghai)
  2. May 2-4: Miami Grand Prix
  3. July 25-27: Belgian Grand Prix (Spa-Francorchamps)
  4. October 17-19: United States Grand Prix (Austin)
  5. November 7-9: São Paulo Grand Prix (Interlagos)
  6. November 28-30: Qatar Grand Prix (Lusail)

Evolution of F1 Sprint Races

  • 2021: Original format with Friday qualifying setting sprint grid
  • 2023: Standalone Saturday sprint events
  • 2024-2025: Current optimized format with Friday sprint qualifying

The 2025 sprint races promise to deliver intense competition as drivers battle for crucial championship points in these action-packed mini-races.

What to Read Next

George Russell Secures Pole Position in Thrilling Canadian Grand Prix Qualifying
Formula 1

George Russell Secures Pole Position in Thrilling Canadian Grand Prix Qualifying

George Russell edges out Max Verstappen to claim pole position at the Canadian Grand Prix, setting the stage for an intense race.

Lando Norris Dominates Monaco Grand Prix, Closes Championship Gap to Oscar Piastri
Formula 1

Lando Norris Dominates Monaco Grand Prix, Closes Championship Gap to Oscar Piastri

Lando Norris secures a thrilling victory at the Monaco Grand Prix, narrowing the championship gap to Oscar Piastri with a masterful performance.

FIA Governance Overhaul Sparks Controversy Amid Calls for Transparency
Formula 1

FIA Governance Overhaul Sparks Controversy Amid Calls for Transparency

Controversial changes to FIA's governance structure have been approved despite warnings of a 'dark period' in democratic backsliding.

Oscar Piastri Triumphs at Spanish GP Amid Verstappen's Controversial Penalty
Formula 1

Oscar Piastri Triumphs at Spanish GP Amid Verstappen's Controversial Penalty

Oscar Piastri leads McLaren to a one-two finish at the Spanish GP, while Max Verstappen faces a penalty after a series of incidents.

Oscar Piastri Secures Pole Position in Thrilling Spanish Grand Prix Qualifying
Formula 1

Oscar Piastri Secures Pole Position in Thrilling Spanish Grand Prix Qualifying

Oscar Piastri clinches pole position at the Spanish Grand Prix, outpacing teammate Lando Norris and setting the stage for an exciting race.

Michael Schumacher's Legendary 2001 Ferrari F2001 Sells for £13.43m at Auction
Formula 1

Michael Schumacher's Legendary 2001 Ferrari F2001 Sells for £13.43m at Auction

Michael Schumacher's 2001 Monaco Grand Prix-winning Ferrari F2001 sold for £13.43m, marking a historic moment in Formula 1 memorabilia.

Oscar Piastri: The Zen Master of Formula 1 Racing
Formula 1

Oscar Piastri: The Zen Master of Formula 1 Racing

Discover how Oscar Piastri's calm demeanor and precise racing skills are making waves in the 2025 Formula 1 season, as he leads the championship with McLaren.

Imola's Legacy: A Tribute to Formula 1's Historic Circuit
Formula 1

Imola's Legacy: A Tribute to Formula 1's Historic Circuit

Explore the rich history of Imola, a legendary Formula 1 circuit, from its iconic races to its unforgettable moments and tributes to racing legends.

Madrid Grand Prix Debuts in 2026 as Imola Exits F1 Calendar: Key Changes and Insights
Formula 1

Madrid Grand Prix Debuts in 2026 as Imola Exits F1 Calendar: Key Changes and Insights

Madrid joins the F1 calendar in 2026, replacing Imola, as Formula 1 introduces key changes to streamline logistics and reduce carbon emissions.

Understanding F1 Penalty Points: Rules, Implications, and Impact on Drivers
Formula 1

Understanding F1 Penalty Points: Rules, Implications, and Impact on Drivers

Explore how F1 penalty points work, their impact on drivers like Max Verstappen, and the rules governing the FIA super licence system.

2025 Canadian Grand Prix: Ultimate Guide to Live Coverage, Weather, and Key Drivers
Formula 1

2025 Canadian Grand Prix: Ultimate Guide to Live Coverage, Weather, and Key Drivers

Stay updated with the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix: live coverage on BBC, weather forecasts, and key drivers to watch in Montreal.

McLaren's Dynamic Duo: Norris and Piastri's Battle for F1 Supremacy in 2025
Formula 1

McLaren's Dynamic Duo: Norris and Piastri's Battle for F1 Supremacy in 2025

Explore the intense rivalry between McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri as they vie for the 2025 Formula 1 championship title.

Stefano Domenicali Extends Leadership in Formula 1 with New Five-Year Contract
Formula 1

Stefano Domenicali Extends Leadership in Formula 1 with New Five-Year Contract

Stefano Domenicali secures a new five-year contract as CEO of Formula 1, continuing his influential leadership in the motorsport world.

Hamilton's Fiery Drive Sparks Ferrari Team Orders Debate at Miami Grand Prix
Formula 1

Hamilton's Fiery Drive Sparks Ferrari Team Orders Debate at Miami Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton's intense drive at the Miami Grand Prix ignites a debate over Ferrari's team orders, highlighting the pressures and strategies in Formula 1.

Lando Norris Optimistic Despite Narrow Miss for Pole at Miami Grand Prix
Formula 1

Lando Norris Optimistic Despite Narrow Miss for Pole at Miami Grand Prix

Lando Norris expresses satisfaction with his performance at the Miami Grand Prix, despite narrowly missing pole position to Max Verstappen.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.