Formula 1’s sprint race format has offered more on-track action and faster weekends. Sprint events bring extra excitement and an additional race. But they also changed how practice sessions work. For many fans and teams the limited practice time on sprint weekends became a real concern. The FIA has now moved to address that issue.
The Sprint Weekend Format and the Practice Issue
Sprint weekends are different to standard Grand Prix weekends. On a normal weekend teams run three one hour practice sessions to prepare the car for qualifying and the race. On a sprint weekend teams only get a single free practice session on Friday. That one hour session determines much of what happens next. After that the sprint qualifying session sets the sprint grid. Then the sprint race follows on Saturday with the main Grand Prix on Sunday.
This reduced practice time pushes teams to make decisions faster. It also limits the amount of data they can gather. Teams must decide on setup, tyres and strategy with less running. While the sprint format adds action it also removes opportunities to refine car balance and strategy before competitive sessions start. Teams expressed concern when rare red flags cut into the sole practice session. That sometimes left them with very little track time before the sprint qualifying session began.
What the FIA Has Changed
The FIA listened to these concerns. At the recent World Motor Sport Council meeting in Tashkent a new rule change was approved for sprint practice sessions starting in the 2026 season. The core change focuses on free practice one on sprint weekends. If that practice session is stopped early by a red flag before 45 minutes of running have been completed, the FIA now allows the session to be extended. This gives teams the chance to complete the full 60 minutes of running they planned for.
Previously the clock would continue during a red flag and teams could lose valuable time. That meant drivers sometimes reached qualifying with limited knowledge of track conditions. By giving the race director the ability to add time it ensures teams have fair preparation. The extension only applies to sprint weekends with the new six-event sprint schedule planned for 2026. Regular Grand Prix weekends with three practice sessions are not affected by this change.
Why This Matters to Teams
Sprint practice sessions are the only real time teams get to learn about the track, tyres and car balance ahead of sprint qualifying and the sprint race. Teams rely on that running to build data. They use it to refine setup and understand how the car behaves on worn tyres, under different fuel loads and in varied conditions. Less preparation increases risk of mistakes during qualifying or the races. This can cost valuable points for drivers and teams in the constructors battle.
The potential for a red flag to cut short practice added even more risk. A stoppage could leave teams without enough laps to test important setup choices. That in turn could distort performance at the sprint qualifying session and the sprint itself. Giving the race director discretion to extend the session restores balance. It also reduces the chance that bad luck in practice unfairly determines results on track.
However, this doesn’t fix the issue completely as only having one hour in the first place doesn’t seem like enough time to confidently send out a car that is in it’s prime setup for the race on Sunday.
2026 and Beyond
The tweak to sprint weekend practice is part of a broader set of changes made by the World Motor Sport Council. In addition to extending practice when needed, the FIA has also confirmed details on winter testing and other regulation updates. These include expanded winter testing in Bahrain and adjustments to how many operational staff each team may bring into the paddock.
The focus remains on improving the overall product of Formula 1. Sprint races are now a regular part of the season. The FIA’s move addresses a practical concern without changing the nature of sprint events. It shows the governing body is listening to teams, drivers and fans and is willing to refine the format when needed.
Closing Thoughts
Formula 1 continues to evolve. The sprint race format brought more action and a new challenge for teams. But it also raised legitimate concerns about limited practice time. The new FIA rule change ensures that teams will not lose essential preparation due to early red flags. It gives them the track time they need to set up cars and prepare properly for sprint qualifying and the sprint race itself. This change helps keep competition fair and keeps the sport focused on performance rather than luck.
