BEST SPRINT QUALIFIERS in FORMULA 1

Who are the best sprint qualifiers on the 2024 grid?

 What is a Sprint Race?

Sprint races, a relatively new concept in Formula 1, have been making waves since their introduction at the 2021 British Grand Prix four years ago. Unlike traditional races, the finishing order of Sprint races does not impact the starting grid for Sunday's Grand Prix. The full-length race proceeds as usual, with the grid determined by the Qualifying session on Saturday afternoon after the Sprint Race.

The Sprint Race is held on Saturday and is a condensed version of the Grand Prix. It offers fans an extra dose of overtaking action and serves as a perfect introduction to racing for newcomers.

As the name suggests, Sprint Qualifying is a unique and intense experience. The entire race covers a distance of 100km (~17 laps), roughly one-third of the standard Grand Prix distance, and lasts only around 30 minutes. What sets it apart is the lack of mandatory pit stops, making it a straightforward run to the finish line. It's a battle of pure speed and overtaking prowess, with the first to pass the Chequered Flag emerging victorious. This format eliminates the need for complex strategy matters, allowing the focus to remain on the thrill of the race.

So, how does Sprint Qualifying work? Decides the starting grid for the Saturday Sprint Race; it's a condensed version of the standard Qualifying format, consisting of three segments: SQ1, SQ2, and SQ3. Each segment lasts for 12, 10, and eight minutes, respectively, with seven-minute breaks in between. With less time for each of SQ1, SQ2, and SQ3, teams typically only have time for a single run in each, putting pressure on drivers to get their fast laps right the first time. With no time for multiple runs or tyre changes, fresh rubber is mandatory for each segment. Teams must use Medium tyres for SQ1 and SQ2 and Softs for SQ3.

Points are awarded to the top eight finishers in the Sprint Race, and these points carry significant weight. They count towards the main Drivers' and Constructors' World Championship standings, adding an extra layer of excitement and competition to the Formula 1 season.

Position    Points Awarded

First                    8

Second              7

Third                   6

Fourth                5

Fifth                    4

Sixth                   3

Seventh             2

Eighth                 1

If we look back on the 2023 season, Max Verstappen (Red Bull) is the most successful current Formula 1 driver in sprint qualifying races. His dominance is evident in the numbers, as he currently holds the record of nine sprint race wins so far in his career (June 28, 2024), a staggering achievement. He has consistently dominated these events, winning four out of the six sprint races held in 2023 and securing podiums for all six.

It's not just about Max Verstappen, the 2023 sprint races also saw other drivers and teams making their mark. Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez and Oscar Piastri (McLaren) each clinched a sprint race win, showcasing the strength of the Red Bull and McLaren teams. Lando Norris (McLaren) and Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) also had their moments, frequently finishing on the podium in these shorter races.

Let's take a closer look at Max Verstappen's Sprint Race Performances in 2023 as he secured podiums at all six and pole positions at four.

Race                            Position              Points

Azerbaijan                       3                         6

Austrian                   1                         8

Belgian                     1                         8

Qatar                                2                         7

US Austin                         1                         8

Brazilian                   1                         8

Verstappen's impressive performances in Sprint Races secured him an additional 45 points towards his 2023 Drivers' World Championship and Red Bulls Constructors' Championship wins. His consistency has shown that his awareness of tyre degradation, steadfastness for strategic overtakes, and ability to build a gap in the middle sectors of the track are pivotal.

Sergio Perez:

Perez clinched his sprint race win in Azerbaijan, the first Sprint Race of 2023, by adopting a strategy that focused on maintaining a close gap to the front runners and capitalising on other divers and teams' mistakes. His ability to manage tyre degradation and aggressive overtaking manoeuvres were crucial in clinching P1. Perez's experience and tactical skills helped him execute the plan effectively, ensuring he could defend his position towards the race's end. Perez also secured podiums at the Austrian GP in P2, receiving 7 points, and at the Brazilian GP with a P3 and a further 6 points added to his tally.

Oscar Piastri:

Piastri's victory in the Qatar sprint race resulted from a well-executed strategy that involved taking advantage of the sprint format's shorter distance. By pushing hard from the start and maintaining a high pace throughout, Piastri managed to stay ahead of more experienced drivers, including Verstappen and his teammate Norris. His team's setup for optimal performance on the medium tyres and his clean, error-free driving were instrumental in his win. He also secured another sprint podium at the Belgian GP with a P2 finish to secure 7 more points for himself and McLaren.

Lando Norris:

Norris joins his teammate Piastri in securing two sprint race podiums in 2023, P3 in the Qatar GP (6 points), capitalising on his solid qualifying position, engaging in tight battles and finishing near the top, demonstrating his competitiveness on the sprint race format. And P2 at the Brazilian GP (7 points), where Norris showcased strong racecraft, finishing the sprint race in a commendable position, contributing to his overall strong performance in the season.

Charles Leclerc:

Like Norris and Piastri, Leclerc also earned himself two Sprint Race podiums in 2023, P2 in the Azerbaijan GP and P3 in the US Austin GP, and, like Norris above, a total of 13 points in Sprint Races.

Key Strategies in Sprint Races

Aggressive Starts: Given the shorter distance of sprint races, drivers like Verstappen and Perez often adopt aggressive starts to gain positions early and defend their leads.

Tire Management: Effective tire management is crucial. Verstappen, for instance, excels in maintaining tyre performance over the sprint race distance, allowing him to push harder towards the end.

Car Setup: Teams focus on optimising car setups for short bursts of performance rather than long-term endurance. This involves fine-tuning aerodynamics and power unit settings for peak performance over the sprint distance.

Overall, the 2023 season highlighted the importance of strategic depth and the ability to execute plans flawlessly under the unique conditions of sprint races. Verstappen led the way through his consistent performance and tactical excellence.