F1’s sprint format has divided opinions with both fans and drivers but it remains on the race calendar with some minor tweaks compared previous years.
How does the 2026 F1 Miami Grand Prix Sprint format work? Qualifying and race points explained
First launched during the 2021 season, the F1 Sprint was essentially the organization’s response to the demand for more races on the annual calendar. With that, fans were made to understand that three more races would be added to the 2022 schedule.
Setting the scene in Miami from above! 😍🚁#F1 #MiamiGP pic.twitter.com/Vh676Wz90O
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 1, 2026
F1 Sprint format and rules explained
In principle, an F1 Sprint is a shorter race - approximately 100km or 62 miles - which puts drivers into situations that typically take more time to unfold.
The ‘F1 Sprint Shootout’ has been renamed to Sprint Qualifying. Split into three stages, the slowest drivers are eliminated in the same style as qualifying. These positions are then the grid for the Sprint race.
Sprint qualifying involves three sessions (SQ1: 12 minutes, SQ2: 10 minutes and SQ3: eight minutes). The six slowest cars from SQ1 and SQ2 are eliminated.
Steady on, Lewis! 😮💨
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 1, 2026
Hamilton with an armful of oversteer early on in this session 💨#F1 #MiamiGP pic.twitter.com/hp7eeBBV80
Do drivers get points from Formula 1 Sprint?
The question is on everyone’s mind: Yes - here are the points for the top eight finishers.
- 1st place - 8 points
- 2nd place - 7 points
- 3rd place - 6 points
- 4th place - 5 points
- 5th place - 4 points
- 6th place - 3 points
- 7th place - 2 points
- 8th place - 1 point
Does F1 Sprint still decide qualifying spot?
The Sprint results will have no effect on the starting grid for the Grand Prix. Saturday’s qualifying will set the starting grid for Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix.
2026 Miami Grand Prix schedule
- Friday 1 May Practice 1: Noon - 1:30 p.m. ET
- Friday 1 May Sprint Qualifying: 4:30 - 5:14 p.m. ET
- Saturday 2 May Sprint: Noon - 1 p.m. ET
- Saturday 2 May Qualifying: 4 p.m.ET - 5 p.m. ET
- Sunday 3 May Race: 4 p.m. ET
📻 "Check turbo... It's making a lot of noises" 😳
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 1, 2026
George Russell is not currently happy with his Mercedes 👀#F1 #MiamiGP pic.twitter.com/lKfr11nHpY
Related stories
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.
Complete your personal details to comment