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.

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.

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.

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