Miami and China set to host sprint events in 2024
Just days after the season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Formula One has announced the six venues that will host sprint events during the 2024 season.
The 2024 F1 calendar is set to include six sprint race weekends, which is the same number as this year. The sport has revealed that the locations of the 2024 sprint events have been selected in a way that the Sprint calendar features "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 year. The Chinese Grand Prix will not only return to the F1 calendar after a three-year hiatus, but it will host its first-ever sprint weekend. Hosting its third-ever F1 race, Miami will join the F1 Sprint line up for the first time.
F1 has intended to spice up the traditional schedule in a way that each day of a grand prix weekend includes a competitive session in that drivers fight for starting positions or can score points. The sport noted: "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, said: “I am delighted to announce six exciting venues for next season’s F1 Sprint events, including two new hosts China and Miami, both of which will be fantastic additions and provide great racing for all our fans at the race and watching at home.
"Since its creation in 2021, the Sprint has been consistent in delivering increased audiences on TV, more on track entertainment for the fans at events and increased fan engagement on social and digital platforms, and we are looking forward to the exciting events next year.”
Commenting on the sprint calendar, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, added: “I’m pleased to confirm the six Sprint events for next season and am looking forward to the return of four host venues that have provided some thrilling action in the Sprints this year.
"The addition of Shanghai will be a challenge for the teams and drivers as Formula 1 heads back to China for the first time since 2019, while a Sprint in Miami will add a new dimension to an enthralling weekend. We must continuously develop and adapt to ensure we are doing what is best for the sport, and as such we are working with FOM and the teams to define the future direction of the Sprint format.”
Moreover, the sport has confirmed that possible sporting changes may come into force regarding the sprint events. However, the Sporting Advisory Committee will discuss potential changes to the Sprint format at the first meeting of 2024, with a proposal to be presented to the F1 Commission for consideration.
It is believed that the schedule might go through some tweaks, with Friday set to sport the practice session and the sprint shootout. Saturday then might include the 100km dash before drivers chase the best lap times in the main qualifying session, with the grand prix itself set to take place on Sunday.
