The Chinese Grand Prix is back after 5 years out of the calendar. On its return, F1 has decided to make it a Sprint Weekend. This means that we will witness 2 qualifying sessions and 2 races. While the Sprint Weekend is not new, the FIA has made some changes to the format compared to last year.

Last season, we saw the first practice session followed by the Qualifying session for Sunday’s race. The Saturday was completely devoted to the Sprint events starting with Sprint Qualifying, and then the Sprint Race. As usual, the main Grand Prix was the only event to take place on the final day of the weekend. But this year, the FIA and F1 have revised this format.

What is the new Sprint Qualifying format for the Chinese Grand Prix?

For this season, the details of the session remain the same. However, there are some changes to the schedule of these sessions. The opening session will be the usual first practice session. But for the 2nd session of the weekend, we will have the Sprint Qualifying. The results of which will finalize the grid for the Sprint Race the next day.

Formula 1 has decided to open the Saturdays with a bang this season. Last year, the Saturdays would open with the Sprint qualifying session. But this season, we will be starting off Saturdays with the Sprint Race. After the Sprint Race, the teams and drivers will have to prepare their cars for the main Qualifying session.

F1 Sprint weekends have had a re-shuffle for 2024 🔀

Keep the timings for this weekend’s action in China handy, as we prepare for the first #F1Sprint of the season!#F1 #ChineseGP pic.twitter.com/o8QtF3lVLj

— Formula 1 (@F1) April 15, 2024

This means that if any of the vehicles crash out during the Sprint Race, they would find it challenging to get it ready for the Qualifying session for the Grand Prix. In the past, we have seen a lot of drivers miss out on Qualifying due to a crash sustained during FP3. Due to this risk, we may see a car or 2 pull out of the Sprint Race.

The good news about this new sprint format is that the drivers will get more runs on the track before taking on qualifying for the Grand Prix. Hopefully, this will lead to a cleaner race on Sundays.

What do you think about the new Sprint Format? Do you think the drivers will be able to get enough time on track given some of them have not driven in Shanghai before? Post your thoughts in the comments section below.