F1 Announces 2025 Sprint Race Venues

F1 has revealed the six grands prix that will feature the sprint format in 2025. These events include a shorter race on Saturday before the main race on Sunday. The sprint races will begin with the second grand prix of the season in China from 21-23 March. The other venues are Miami (2-4 May), Belgium (25-27 July), the US Grand Prix in Austin (17-19 October), Brazil (7-9 November) and Qatar (28-30 November). China, Miami, Austin, Brazil and Qatar are also hosting sprint events this year while Belgium previously hosted one in 2023.

The 2025 F1 season kicks off in Australia from 14-16 March. F1 has presented data showing that sprint events draw higher audiences compared to traditional grands prix. The sprint and qualifying in China this year attracted live audience figures that were 40% higher across F1’s top 15 markets. This surpasses the average viewership for the practice sessions in the opening races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.  F1 chairman Stefano Domenicali praised the success of the sprint format, citing increased action and fan engagement.

He emphasized that the sprint enhances the sport while respecting the championship’s heritage. The 2025 season will mark F1’s 75th anniversary. Domenicali sees the sprint as a valuable innovation. No changes will be made to the new sprint format introduced this season. Discussions about further modifications will be revisited later, but no specific changes or timing have been indicated. The 2024 format separates the sprint from the main grand prix. A qualifying session for the sprint takes place on Friday afternoon, followed by the sprint on Saturday morning.

F1 will schedule the qualifying session for the main grand prix later on Saturday which will set the grid for Sunday’s race. This new format will distinctly separate the sprint and the main event, guaranteeing that each race provides fans with distinct competitive elements and an exciting experience. By doing so, it aims to enhance the overall enjoyment and anticipation of both races for the fans.