F1 sprint qualifying races given green light after unanimous approval

Formula 1 has unanimously approved the introduction of sprint qualifying races for this year following a meeting of its Commission.

F1 and the FIA has confirmed two of the three races will be held at European venues - Silverstone and Monza - with the third at a non-European venue.

At this stage, the race in Säo Paulo is slated, but due to the ongoing situation with the Covid-19 pandemic, a definitive decision has been placed on hold.

The Commission comprises Formula One Management, the FIA and all 10 teams.

F1 claim "the format is designed to increase the on-track action and engage fans in a new and innovative way.

"It also strikes the right balance of rewarding drivers and teams on merit while also giving others the chance to battle their way through the field on Saturday to increase their race chances on Sunday."

On Friday there will be a qualifying session after FP1 that will determine the grid for the sprint qualifying on Saturday. The results of that event will determine the grid for Sunday’s race.

It has been decided the top-three finishers in Saturday’s sprint qualifying will receive points - three for first, two for second and one for third.

FIA president Jean Todt said: “I am pleased to see that Formula 1 is seeking new ways to engage with its fans and enlarge the spectacle of a race weekend through the concept of sprint qualifying.

"It was made possible thanks to the continued collaboration between the FIA, Formula 1, and all of the teams.

"F1 is showing itself to be stronger than ever with all stakeholders working together in this way, and much has been done to ensure that the sporting, technical and financial aspects of the format are fair.”

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali added: “We are excited by this new opportunity that will bring our fans an even more engaging race weekend in 2021.

"Seeing the drivers battling it out over three days will be an amazing experience and I am sure the drivers will relish the fight.

"I am delighted that all the teams supported this plan, and it is a testament to our united efforts to continue to engage our fans in new ways while ensuring we remain committed to the heritage and meritocracy of our sport.”

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