Formula 1 introduces new format for Sprint weekends in 2023: Friday qualifying sets Sunday’s Grand Prix grid with a shorter Sprint Shootout on Saturday

Formula 1 Sprint weekends have undergone a major change for the 2023 season, with Friday qualifying now setting the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix. The new format will debut at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend and will feature a shorter Sprint Shootout qualifying session on Saturday. Under the new format, Saturday’s results will no longer determine Sunday’s grid, which is expected to encourage drivers to be more attacking and take more risks during the 100km event. Additionally, Saturday’s Practice Two session has been removed from the schedule, and a mandatory change of tyres is required in the Sprint Shootout. The six Sprint weekends to be held in 2023 will feature races in Azerbaijan, Austria, Belgium, Qatar, the US, and Brazil.