Huge Update to 2024 Season

Formula One has recently announced a major update to the 2024 season calendar, which is set to feature a record-breaking 24 races, one more than this season's 23.

Return of Sprint Races

Next season will also see the return of Sprint Races, a format that has proven to be quite divisive. F1 bosses have decided to expand the use of Sprint Races, despite the well-known dislike for them by world champion Max Verstappen.

Previous Sprint Race Weekend

In the 2023 season, F1 held six different weekends featuring Sprint Races, with varying degrees of success. These weekends added an extra layer of intensity to the race schedule.

New Venues and Returning Tracks

For the 2024 season, there will once again be six weekends featuring Sprint Races. Two new venues have been added to the calendar: the Chinese Grand Prix, which had its 2023 race cancelled due to Covid-19 difficulties, and Miami. The format will also return to Austria, America (COTA), Brazil, and Qatar.

Verstappen's Disapproval

Max Verstappen has been vocal about his dislike for Sprint Races, stating that he is not a fan of the format. He believes that the intensity of the race weekend is already high enough and suggests that it would be better to reduce the weekend to only racing on Saturday and Sunday to make those two days more exciting. Verstappen has even threatened to quit F1 if further changes are made to the rules.

Future Discussions

The finer details of the Sprint Races for the 2024 season are yet to be finalized. Sport bosses will discuss potential changes to the format, including revised timings and parc ferme regulations.

Exciting Venues for Next Season

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed his delight in announcing six exciting venues for next season's Sprint Races. China and Miami will be new hosts, providing great racing for fans both at the race and watching from home.

FIA President's Comments

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirmed the six Sprint Race events for next season and highlighted the challenge of returning to China for the first time since 2019. He also mentioned that a Sprint Race in Miami will add a new dimension to an enthralling weekend. Discussions are ongoing with FOM and the teams to define the future direction of the Sprint Race format.

Full 2024 Sprint Race Calendar

Below is the complete 2024 Sprint Race calendar:

- China

- Miami

- Austria

- America (COTA)

- Brazil

- Qatar