Sprint race format changes for 2024 explained as Formula 1 returns to China

The Chinese Grand Prix is set to make a comeback on the Formula 1 calendar in 2024 after a three-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The race will be held at the Shanghai International Circuit in Shanghai, China.

The Shanghai International Circuit is a permanent motor racing circuit located in the Jiading District of Shanghai. The circuit was built with a total investment of $350 million and was designed by Hermann Tilke. The track is known for its long straights and high-speed corners, making it a favorite among drivers and teams. The circuit consists of 16 turns and is 5.451 kilometers (3.387 miles) long.

The Chinese Grand Prix was first held in 2004 and has been a regular fixture on the Formula 1 calendar ever since. The race has seen some memorable moments over the years, including Michael Schumacher's record-breaking victory in 2004, which was his seventh of the season and his 91st career win.

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese Grand Prix was canceled in 2020 and 2021. The race was originally scheduled to take place in April 2020 but was postponed due to travel restrictions and other logistical challenges caused by the pandemic. It was then rescheduled for November 2020 but was ultimately canceled due to ongoing travel restrictions and other issues.

In 2022, the Chinese Grand Prix was scheduled to take place in April but was postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation in China. The race was eventually rescheduled for November 2022 but was ultimately canceled due to logistical challenges caused by the pandemic and other factors.

Now, the Chinese Grand Prix is set to return in 2024. The exact date of the race has not yet been announced, but it is expected to take place in either April or October, depending on the COVID-19 situation and other factors.

In addition to the return of the Chinese Grand Prix, there have been some changes to the sprint race format in Formula 1. The sprint race is a new addition to the Formula 1 calendar, which was introduced in 2021. The sprint race is a shorter version of the grand prix and takes place on the Saturday of a race weekend. The top three finishers in the sprint race receive points, with the winner receiving three times the number of points that the second-place finisher receives.

The sprint race format was originally planned to be used at three races in 2021 - Monza, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia - but was ultimately used at only two races due to logistical challenges caused by the pandemic. In 2022, the sprint race was used at six races - Imola, Miami, Monaco, Baku, Silverstone, and Austria.

For the 2023 season, the sprint race is set to be used at ten races - Bahrain, Miami, Monaco, Azerbaijan, Canada, Austria, France, Hungary, Belgium, and Italy. The Chinese Grand Prix is not currently on the list of sprint races for 2023 but is expected to be considered for inclusion in future seasons.

In conclusion, the Chinese Grand Prix is set to return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2024 after a three-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The exact date of the race has not yet been announced, but it is expected to take place in either April or October. In addition to the return of the Chinese Grand Prix, there have been some changes to the sprint race format in Formula 1, which is a shorter version of the grand prix and takes place on the Saturday of a race weekend. The sprint race is currently set to be used at ten races in the 2023 season, but it is expected that the Chinese Grand Prix will be considered for inclusion in future seasons.