All you need to know about Sprint Qualifying

Saturday 17 July 2021

The 2021 British Grand Prix is a special event, as it welcomes the return of spectators, the W Series competing in their first race at the Silverstone circuit, as well as the debut of the Sprint Qualifying format.

The schedule for the British Grand Prix has incorporated the newly devised Sprint Qualifying, which provides drivers with the opportunity to secure additional points in the driver’s championship. Traditional qualifying will take place on Friday 16th July, after the first free practice session, with the second free practice session being moved to Saturday 17th July ahead of the sprint qualifying.

How does Sprint Qualifying work?

Sprint Qualifying is a 100km flat-out race around the track, lasting approximately 30 minutes, whereby the top three drivers to record the fastest lap time will receive points, with the fastest driver awarded three additional points. These points can be the difference between gaining a position in the driver standings and ultimately winning or losing the championship title.

What are the rules?

The race team can select any compound tyre of their choosing for the sprint qualifying prior to the session, but all teams are required to use soft tyres in the traditional qualifying session on Friday. If the track is wet for the spring qualifying session, all teams are able to return a set of used tyres to supplement the use of a new set.

In terms of other amendments to the car, the teams are limited to replacing or repairing fixtures that are damaged during sprint qualifying. If the front wing is damaged and the teams do have an additional latest specification wing, they are able to use a used previous specification without obtaining a penalty. Race teams are also permitted to adjust the suspension, including the adjustment of cambers and ride height.

When is it?

Sprint Qualifying will be held on Saturday 17th July at 4:30pm until 5pm.

Spectators can catch all the action live at the track, or you can watch on Sky Sports F1, Channel 4, or listen on BBC Radio 5 Live.