Huge Changes To The Azerbaijan Grand Prix Expected In Coming Weeks - What We Know
The upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be undergoing a huge change as F1 looks to overhaul the sprint weekend structure. This is what we know ahead of the Baku race weekend.
Stand-Alone Event with Its Own Qualifying Session
Under the proposed changes, the sprint race would become a stand-alone event with its own qualifying session. Fridays would remain unchanged, with a single hour of practice and a standard qualifying session for the race on Sunday. The twist comes on the Saturday: another qualifying session would now determine the grid for the sprint, which would happen directly after.
New Sprint Race Qualifying Session
Instead of FP2, another qualifying session sets the grid for the sprint race. It will be a three-part qualifying format, similar to that of regular events, albeit with shorter timings. Drivers who reach Q3 will likely only have time to perform a single lap raising the stakes nicely and increasing the entertainment factor for those watching the action.
Tyre Allocation
The tyre allocation drivers receive at sprint events is different from that seen at regular Grand Prixs, with each competitor having two sets of hard tyres, four mediums, and six softs for the weekend.
Baku Adds To The Drama
The Baku City Circuit is known for its high-speed narrow course that's begging for a red flag disaster. This will make qualifying here even more nerve-racking.
Expected Approval
We'll hear from F1 ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix - set to take place on the 30th of this month. But so far, it looks as though this will likely go ahead with teams across the board expressing support for this change.