This is what the new sprint race format looks like in Azerbaijan

Formula 1 have confirmed that a new weekend format will be used for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend in Baku. This is how it will work. Please note UK times are used. 

Friday 10:30 am | FP1

Formula 1 drivers will only be given an hour this coming weekend to find the right set-up, and they will be stuck with that for the rest of the weekend. After the first 60-minute free practice session, all the cars go into parc fermé, and no more major changes can be made. In fact, only active changes can be made to the front wing or if safety should be an issue.

Friday 2:00 pm | Qualifying (for Sunday)

Whereas last year qualifying for the sprint race was held on Friday afternoon, now the starting line-up for Sunday's Grand Prix is determined immediately. Q1, Q2, and Q3 last the same length as always, at 18, 15 and 12 minutes, respectively. So the winner of Friday's qualifying will start from pole position and can also add this to his record as such. Drivers will have a choice of Pirelli's C3s, C4s and C5s this weekend.

Saturday 09:30 am | Qualifying for the sprint race

Qualifying for the sprint race is presumably new. Last season, it was a second free practice at this time. As the cars were already in parc fermé, this was often a useless practice. Therefore, an additional qualifying session is now being introduced. The result of this sprint qualification is directly the starting order for the sprint race later on Saturday.

Qualifying for the sprint race is slightly shorter, though. Q1, Q2 and Q3 will take 12, 10 and 8 minutes, respectively. For every Q a new tire must be used: Q1 and Q2 mediums, Q3 softs.

Saturday 2:30 pm | Sprint race

In the sprint race, as in 2022, some 100 kilometres will be covered. Once again, points await the numbers one to eight. The number one gets eight points, and the number eight has to make do with one World Championship point.

A big advantage for the drivers is that if they crash now, they do not have to start at the very back. After all, qualifying for the race has already taken place on Friday, whereas last year, the result of the sprint race determined the starting grid for the race. Liberty Media is hoping for more spectacle in the sprint race with the upcoming new format, as last year drivers were far too afraid of making crashes.

Sunday 12 pm | Race

Nothing at all will change about the race. In Baku, the Grand Prix counts 51 laps. As always, all drivers must use at least two tyre compounds in the race. There is also a bonus point to be earned again for the fastest race lap.