In addition to 24 regular grands prix, Formula 1 also has six sprint races on the program for next season. The international motorsport federation FIA has given permission to increase the number of sprint races in the premier class from three to six. Last season, three sprint races were held for the first time, this year the same will happen at three grands prix.
The sprint races always take place on the Saturday in a race weekend, and the results determine the starting order for the main race on Sunday. This season the top 8 of the sprint race will receive points for the World Cup standings, last year that was still the top 3. The winner may add 8 points.
Max Verstappen won the sprint races in Emilia-Romagna and Austria this season. The final sprint race will take place on November 12, at the penultimate GP of the season in Brazil.
Verstappen is rapidly heading for his second world title in Formula 1.