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F1 have announced that six venues will host Sprint Races in the 2024 season.
Austria, US, Sao Paulo and Qatar Grands Prix will once again host Sprint Races like in 2023, but Azerbaijan and Belgium have been dropped in favour of China and Miami.
The Chinese Sprint Race comes as the race at Shanghai International Circuit prepares to re-join the F1 calendar after a four-season absence due to the Coronavirus pandemic, and will take place on weekend of 19-21 April.
Miami meanwhile will host its sprint on the weekend of 3-5 May alongside the Grand Prix in a move unlikely to win support from fans after two poorly received visits in the last two seasons.
“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,” commented 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.”
FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem added that he is “… 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.”
Ben Sulayem also addressed the addition of China in its first year back on the calendar as he continued: “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.”
The FIA and F1 meanwhile are seeking to separate sprint activities from the Grand Prix following fierce criticism from fans about the sprint weekend format across the first three seasons of its use on the calendar.
Ben Sulayem has consequently iterated that discussions are being held with view to ratification from World Motorsport Council, as he added: “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.”
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