F1 introduces new Sprint format with revised rules

The 2025 Formula 1 season has begun, and teams are heading to Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix. This weekend features the first F1 Sprint of the season, offering fans more racing excitement. F1 Sprint races are shorter events, running 100 kilometers or about 19 laps. These races take place earlier in the weekend, alongside the regular Grand Prix. There are no mandatory pit stops, and points are awarded to the top finishers, but fewer points than in a Grand Prix. The schedule for F1 Sprint weekends has been updated. Currently, there is one practice session on Friday, followed by qualifying for the Sprint race. On Saturday, the Sprint race happens first, and then qualifying for the Grand Prix takes place. Sunday hosts the main Grand Prix event. Qualifying for F1 Sprint races involves three segments, similar to Grand Prix qualifying. However, it is shorter: SQ1 lasts 12 minutes, SQ2 for 10 minutes, and SQ3 for 8 minutes. Drivers must use medium tires in SQ1 and SQ2, with only those reaching SQ3 allowed to use soft tires. Drivers can earn points during F1 Sprint races, which count towards both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships. Points are given to the top eight finishers, with the winner earning eight points. New parc fermé rules mean that teams can only make changes to cars after the F1 Sprint race. This rule came into play last season and is still in effect for 2025, making every session important for teams. This year, the Chinese Grand Prix marks the first of six F1 Sprint weekends. The other locations include the Miami Grand Prix, Belgian Grand Prix, United States Grand Prix, São Paulo Grand Prix, and Qatar Grand Prix.