Baku to host a Sprint race for the first time

Formula 1 has revealed the venues to host a Sprint race next season. The number of Sprint races in the 2023 season will see an increase from three races last year to six races in total.

The first Sprint race of the season will take in Baku during the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Sprint races are generally held in F1 tracks suitable for the Sprint format with overtaking opportunities, close racing, and high-speed sections and attract a large fan base. So, it comes as no surprise that one of the fastest city races on the calendar – the Baku race is among these.

Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO, of Formula 1, shared his thoughts: “We have seen a hugely positive reaction to the F1 Sprint events during the first two years of its running, and we can’t wait to bring even more action to fans with six events next year, including our first US F1 Sprint in Austin. The introduction of the F1 Sprint has created a race weekend that includes three days of competitive racing action and brings more entertainment to fans of the sport as well as additional value for key stakeholders including teams, broadcasters, partners, and host venues.

The confirmed locations for F1 Sprint events in 2023 are:

·   Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2023 (Baku City Circuit) 28–30 April

·   Formula 1 Grosser Preis Von Österreich 2023 (Red Bull Ring) 30 June–2 July

·   Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix 2023 (Spa-Francorchamps) 28–30 July

·   Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix 2023 (Lusail International Circuit) 06 – 08 October

·   Formula 1 United States Grand Prix 2023 (Circuit of the Americas) 20–22 October

·   Formula 1 Grande Prêmio De São Paulo 2023 (AutÓdromo José Carlos Pace) 3–5 November  

Sprint races are held on Saturdays based on the results of the qualifying that determines the starting grid. So, the Sprint race in Baku will take place on Saturday, April 29th.