Formula 1 has unveiled the locations that will host the six F1 Sprint weekends during the 2023 season, doubling the number of events from the three held in 2021 and 2022.
The F1 Sprint format shifts the usual one-hour qualifying session to Friday, determining the grid for a 100-kilometer race on Saturday, which then sets the starting order for Sunday’s main race.
Venues for 2023
Next year, Sprints will be hosted in Azerbaijan (Baku City Circuit), Austria (Red Bull Ring), Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps), Qatar (Lusail Circuit), the United States (Circuit of The Americas), and Sao Paulo (Interlagos).
Interlagos continues as a Sprint venue after featuring in 2021 and 2022, while the Red Bull Ring also participated last season. Other past Sprint venues include Silverstone, Monza, and Imola.
2023 Sprint Schedule
– Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit: April 28-30
– Austria at Red Bull Ring: June 30 – July 2
– Belgium at Spa-Francorchamps: July 28-30
– Qatar at Lusail Circuit: October 06-08
– United States at Circuit of The Americas: October 20-22
– Sao Paulo at Interlagos: November 3-5
The 2023 selection was made following research into the most suitable tracks for the format, considering factors like overtaking opportunities, close racing, and high-speed sections. The goal is to ensure competitive on-track action throughout all three days of the selected Grand Prix weekends.
F1’s financial regulations have also been updated. The FIA announced that the teams’ cost cap allowance for each Sprint will double from $150,000 to $300,000 next year. However, there will no longer be any additional allowance for accident damage incurred during the Sprint events.
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed enthusiasm about the increase from three to six Sprint events next year. “We have seen a hugely positive reaction to the F1 Sprint events during the first two years of its running, and we can’t wait to bring even more action to fans with six events next year, including our first US F1 Sprint in Austin,” he said.
“The introduction of the F1 Sprint has created a race weekend that includes three days of competitive racing action and brings more entertainment to fans of the sport, as well as additional value for key stakeholders including teams, broadcasters, partners, and host venues.”
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem added, “Following strong collaboration between the FIA and FOM, and the approval of the World Motor Sport Council, we are pleased to reveal the six events for Sprints for the 2023 season. We look forward to this exciting addition to the calendar.”
