Formula 1 confirms six sprint race venues for the 2023 season

(Motorsport) Four countries, United States, Azerbaijan, Belgium and Qatar will host the sprint race for the first time in history in the 2023 Formula 1 season while Austria will host it for the second consecutive year and Brazil will become the only venue to have hosted every sprint race since its inception in 2021. Formula 1 has doubled the sprint races for the 2023 season, going from three to six as the format has proved to be more popular amongst the supporters who want to see more wheel-to-wheel action. Formula 1 said that the sprint race venues were selected “following research into the most suitable tracks for the format, including overtaking opportunities, close racing and high-speed sections”.

“We have seen a hugely positive reaction to the F1 Sprint events during the first two years of its running, and we can’t wait to bring even more action to fans with six events next year, including our first US F1 Sprint in Austin. The introduction of the F1 Sprint has created a race weekend that includes three days of competitive racing action and brings more entertainment to fans of the sport as well as additional value for key stakeholders including teams, broadcasters, partners, and host venues.” – F1 president Stefano Domenicali

According to the format, the qualifying will take place on Friday before the sprint race on Saturday that takes place over 100 kms which will determine the grid positions for the race itself. The winner of the sprint gets eight points, second place gets seven points, third place gets six points and so on until the eighth position. For drivers on the grid, the sprint format has had polarising views with Verstappen saying that the sprint race should not determine the grid results as drivers will be willing to take more risks, which could increase the likelihood of crashes.

“Following strong collaboration between the FIA and FOM, and the approval of the World Motor Sport Council, we are pleased to reveal the six events for Sprints for the 2023 season. We look forward to this exciting addition to the calendar.” – FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem

The F1 calendar for 2023

March 5: Bahrain (Sakhir)
March 19: Saudi Arabia (Jeddah)
April 2: Australia (Melbourne)
April 30: Azerbaijan (Baku)
May 7: Miami (Miami)
May 21: Emilia Romagna (Imola)
May 28: Monaco (Monaco)
June 4: Spain (Barcelona)
June 18: Canada (Montreal)
July 2: Austria (Spielberg)
July 9: Great Britain (Silverstone)
July 23: Hungary (Budapest)
July 30: Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)
August 27: Netherlands (Zandvoort)
September 3: Italy (Monza)
September 17: Singapore (Marina Bay)
September 24: Japan (Suzuka)
October 8: Qatar (Losail)
October 22: USA (Austin)
October 29: Mexico (Mexico City)
November 5: Brazil (São Paulo)
November 18: Las Vegas
November 26: Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina)