Formula 1 has made significant changes to its sprint race format, transforming it into a standalone Saturday event. This new format, introduced for the Belgian Grand Prix, will determine the starting grid through sprint qualifying, followed by the sprint race later in the day. Let’s take a closer look at how the latest changes will work.
Sprint Qualifying
The sprint qualifying session for the Belgian GP will commence at 12:00pm local time (11:00am BST). It will involve a modified version of the traditional Q1, Q2, and Q3 knockout session format. This shorter qualifying session sets the starting positions for the sprint race, adding an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the race weekend.
Sprint Race
The sprint race for the Belgian GP will take place at 4:30pm local time (3:30pm BST). The race will cover a distance of 15 laps or 60 minutes, showcasing the drivers’ skills and strategies in a condensed and action-packed event. The sprint race aims to provide fans with thrilling wheel-to-wheel battles and overtaking opportunities, enhancing the overall spectacle of the race weekend.
How to Watch the F1 Belgian GP Sprint Qualifying and Sprint Race
In the United Kingdom, Formula 1 is broadcasted live on Sky Sports, with Channel 4 showing highlights several hours after the race has concluded. For live streaming, NOW offers coverage for UK viewers.
– Sky Sports F1: Formula 1 races are broadcasted on this channel. It can be added to your Sky Sports package for £24 per month for new customers. NOW also offers access to Sky Sports F1 with a one-off day payment of £11.98p or a monthly membership of £34.99p.
Main Broadcast in the UK: Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports Main Event
Every F1 practice, qualifying, and race, including the Belgian GP sprint qualifying and race, can be seen live on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports Main Event. The coverage for the Belgian GP sprint qualifying starts at 10:30am BST on Sky Sports F1, followed by the sprint race coverage at 2:30pm BST, also on Sky Sports F1.
– Channel 4 Highlights: Channel 4 broadcasts highlights of the sprint qualifying and sprint race for the Belgian GP at 7:45pm BST on Saturday evening. The program runs for 90 minutes, covering the important moments and discussions from the race weekend so far. Channel 4 also provides on-demand catch-up services for the highlights.
Channel 4 Coverage
– BBC Radio 5 Live: Live radio coverage of every practice, qualifying, and race of the 2023 F1 season can be accessed through BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC 5 Live Sports Extra, or the BBC Sport website. Coverage of the Belgian GP sprint qualifying starts at 11:00am BST on the BBC Sport website and the BBC Sounds app. The sprint race will be covered at 3:30pm BST on BBC Radio 5 Live and the BBC Sounds app.
For the Belgian Grand Prix, Spa-Francorchamps is expected to experience wet and mild weather conditions throughout Saturday, with a significant chance of showers. The temperature is predicted to reach highs of 18 degrees Celsius at the start of the sprint race, adding an extra challenge for the drivers.
Formula 1’s introduction of the standalone Saturday sprint race format for the Belgian Grand Prix brings a fresh and thrilling dimension to the race weekend. With the qualifying session determining the sprint race starting grid, fans can anticipate intense battles and overtaking maneuvers on one of Formula 1’s most iconic circuits. Remember to tune in to the live broadcasts or catch the highlights to experience all the excitement of this new format.
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