F1 2023, FIA decision comes on Sprint Race locations and dates

In 2022 Imola had been the site of one of three Sprint Races of the year

Azerbaijan, Austria, Belgium, the United States (Austin), Qatar and Brazil. These are the six Grand Prix in the 2023 Formula 1 season, compared to only three in 2022, that will hold a qualifying sprint race on Saturday, according to an official announcement today by the Fia. That leaves out, therefore, the two races held on the Italian peninsula, those of Imola and Monza, with the Autodromo Enzo and Dino Ferrari having hosted, in 2022, the sprint race in the World Championship that ended a few weeks ago.

The format will not change: there will be a sprint race of about half an hour for 100 kilometers, organized on Saturday, and the result of which gives points to the top eight drivers, defining the starting grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix. The FIA says it has selected the circuits “most suitable for the F1 Sprint format taking into account overtaking opportunities, tight racing and high-speed sections”: all to “ensure competitive action for fans over the three-day weekend.”

Here is the list and dates: Baku (Azerbaijan, April 29); Spielberg (Austria, July 1); Spa (Belgium, July 29); Lusail (Qatar, Oct. 7); Austin (U.S., Oct. 21); Interlagos (Brazil, Nov. 4).