Shanghai and Miami to host F1 sprint races for the first time in 2024

Formula 1 announced the six venues to host the Sprint weekends in 2024 on Tuesday, with China's Shanghai and Miami of the U.S., the first two legs of the series, hosting the sprint races for the first time.

The rest of the races will take place in Spielberg (Austria), Austin (U.S.), Sao Paolo (Brazil), and Lusail (Qatar).

"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," said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.

Introduced in 2021, sprint races have contributed to boosting viewership on Grand Prix weekends, and spicing up the competitive action while offering points for the top eight finishers. As Friday's qualifying round only applies to Sunday's Grand Prix, F1's Saturday actions had long been standalone from the days before and after. The sprint races are staged on Saturday, with the qualifying race taking place in the morning and the race later in the same day, both in shortened forms compared to the Grand Prix, the 100-kilometer sprint race offers eight points to the winner and one point less descending.

"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," Domenicali added.

"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. 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," said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, the sport's international governing body.

During an F1 Commission meeting in November, it was suggested that the Sprint Format for the new season should be further rationalized, such as separation from the rest of the actions on a typical Grand Prix weekend. Details including timing and parc fermé regulations will be discussed by the Sporting Advisory Committee before the commission's first meeting in 2024, where any decision of changes, potentially, will be announced.

(With input from agencies)