What is the F1 Sprint race and how does it work?

F1 Sprint is happening again today – with the new race format set to dazzle spectators and excite the masses across another two weekends this season.

It made its debut at the British Grand Prix in Northamptonshire last year, and now it's back for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.

Your favourite stars from Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen will be taking part in the feature race this afternoon.

So what exactly is it?

What is F1 Sprint?

Essentially, F1 Sprint is a mini race which will be run over 100km on Saturday evening, with the usual Grand Prix distance.

F1 Sprint is designed to be a flat-out race from start to finish, and is set to excite the 140,000 fans in attendance.

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The latest edition will take place from 7pm on Saturday..

Taking part will be the 20 drivers who qualified on Friday evening and their starting positions will be determined by their qualifying finishes.

Wherever you finish in F1 Sprint will then determine where you begin the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Should you win F1 Sprint, you will start in pole position on Sunday, but should you finish in eighth position, you will start in eighth for the main race.

The 100km distance means that the race will be 17 laps around the nearly 4-mile Silverstone track.

F1 Sprint is expected to last around 25-30 minutes, with its fast and exciting nature expected to appeal to viewers and reel in new fans.

How many F1 championship points are awarded for a sprint race win?

There are championship points awarded for a sprint race victory, with the top three places rewarded.

• 1st – three points
• 2nd – two points
• 3rd – one point

And of course drivers can go on and claim more points in the same weekend by finishing between first and 10th in the actual Grand Prix or setting the fastest lap.

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