The Chinese Grand Prix is back in Formula 1. Five years have passed, since that very distant 2019, since there has been one. Since no competition in Shanghai. Since one of the most legendary tracks of the World Cup is not on the calendar. But he’s back. This is also the case with the sprint included.
With a renewed sprint format, after some complaints from drivers and teams which led to action being taken. This has caused some changes… who knows how they will play out.
Because Saturday, a day entirely dedicated to sprinting, will have everything. Because now it’s going to be different.
Saturday, sprint and ‘qualification’ for Sunday
After free practice 1 on Friday, qualifying will take place. Unlike 2023where it was for Sunday’s race, this year it will be used to decide positions for the sprint test.
On Saturday, there will first be the short race, then we will proceed to qualifying for the Sunday competition usual in Formula 1.
Yes, and that brings us to the next question: to what extent pilots will take risks to a contact or an accident in the sprint if this could mean that the car is not ready for the normal classification of the race?
We will dispel doubts soon, with this Chinese GP which will serve as a test for the following events. There will be six races in this format, starting in Shanghai and continuing in Miami, the sixth Grand Prix of the season.
China, Miami, Austria, Texas, Brazil and Qatar
Austria, the United States, Brazil and Qatar will follow to complete a World Cup with a total of six sprint weekends.