Formula 1 News: 2024 Sprint races announced
Formula 1 has announced the six venues that will host F1 Sprint events during the 2024 season with China and Miami added.
China will particularly be challenging for the teams since the race has not run for the past three seasons and teams will only have one practice session to get their car setups done.
Austria and Brazil are set to host their third Sprint weekends, with Austin and Qatar returning for a second year, and China and Miami joining the line-up for the first time.
F1’s Sprint calendar is designed to feature circuits which encourage overtaking and make for close and entertaining racing.
Since its introduction in 2021, the Sprint format has had a positive impact on audience figures, especially on Friday compared to regular practice sessions, and has provided promoters and fans with extra competitive on-track action at the six events.
2024 F1 Sprint events
| Grand Prix | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|
| China | Shanghai | April 19-21 |
| Miami | Miami | May 3-5 |
| Austria | Spielberg | June 28-30 |
| United States | Austin | October 18-20 |
| Brazil | Sao Paulo | November 1-3 |
| Qatar | Lusail | November 29 – December 1 |
According to research by Nielsen spanning 21 markets, the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix saw the broadcast audience for qualifying +83% vs the 2022 second practice session, while it was +139% for the US Grand Prix and +34% for the Belgian Grand Prix.
During discussions at the F1 Commission meeting in November, there was overall support for an update to the Sprint Format for 2024 to further rationalize the weekend by separating Sprint activities from those for the Grand Prix.
The Sporting Advisory Committee will work through specific details, particularly regarding timing and parc ferme regulations, for a final proposal to be presented to the F1 Commission for the first meeting of 2024.
Following that meeting, any potential changes to the Sprint format will be announced.
“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,” said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.
“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.”
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.”
Miami GP Delighted to host Sprint Race
South Florida Motorsports (SFM), the organizers of the FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX, are delighted to confirm next year’s event will feature an F1 Sprint weekend. It will be the first time this exciting format has appeared at the Miami International Autodrome (MIA), promising more F1 on-track action to all attending fans across the three-day event.
Held over the weekend of May 3-5, 2024, the FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX will mark the first of the North American races next year. For the avid motor racing enthusiast, it will bring an extra level of excitement as they’ll see drivers on the edge across a number of competitive sessions over the three days. Tickets are on sale now at https://f1miamigp.com/tickets/.
First introduced in 2021, the Sprint format is designed to ensure fans enjoy competitive on-track action across a Grand Prix weekend and will only feature at six events next year: China, Miami, Austria, Austin, Brazil and Qatar. The Sprint is a 100km (62.14 mile) dash to the checkered flag, which is roughly one-third the distance of a standard Grand Prix. There are no mandatory pitstops and eight points are awarded for the winner, descending to one point for eighth place. Both drivers and teams score points for their respective championships.
“We’re delighted to be one of the host venues for the F1 Sprint in 2024, and we’re looking forward to an incredible action-packed weekend as we host our third race next year,” said Tyler Epp, President of the FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX. “The addition of the F1 Sprint along with the support races of F1 Academy and Deluxe Porsche Carrera Cup North America will guarantee three days of competitive on-track racing action that will bring more entertainment to our fans.”
After two races, the FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX has quickly established itself as an event that combines exciting racing, fan-focused experience and luxury hospitality. For 2024, there are a number of opportunities for spectators to enjoy the Miami weekend in a new way, including the Grand Tour Experience, where fans will be able to choose from three different Grandstand positions around the Miami International Autodrome. For the first time ever, spectators in Miami Gardens will be able to watch Qualifying, the Sprint and the Grand Prix itself from three different Grandstand options — Turn 1, the Marina and AutoNation Grandstand at Turn 18 — all via the one ticketing option. Fans will also be able to soak up all the on-track action and off-track entertainment in the Beach Grandstand starting at $600 for a three-day ticket.
In addition, all grandstand ticket holders can access the MIA Campus which brings the culture and flavor of Miami to the racetrack — with unrivaled food & beverage offerings, world-class hospitality options, a host of experiences from the F1 FanZone to art installations, and access into the 300 level of Hard Rock Stadium to see the exclusive F1 Team Village paddock. Tickets offerings are available now at https://f1miamigp.com/tickets/.