New sprint rules come into force at Dutch GP - F1's biggest shake-up yet
The 2026 F1 season introduces a new format for sprint races, with exciting changes for fans. At the Dutch Grand Prix from August 21-23, six cars will be eliminated from qualifying instead of five. Points are awarded only to the top eight finishers in the sprint race, which is 100km long and lasts around 30 minutes.
The format at Zandvoort is consistent with last year's but has these key changes: Sprint qualifying (SQ) takes place on Friday after one practice session. Then there are three sessions - SQ1, SQ2, and SQ3 - each lasting 12, 10, and 8 minutes respectively. This grid sets up the sprint race on Saturday. Kimi Antoneli won the first sprint at Silverstone last summer, passing reigning champion Lando Norris for the victory.
How do new rules affect eliminated cars?
Cars that fall in the slow six will be knocked out early in qualifying sessions to speed up the race setup on Saturday. The elimination of slower cars should make for tighter racing and higher drama during the sprint races.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cars are eliminated each qualifying session?
In 2026, six cars will be knocked out early in the first two qualifying sessions instead of five as last year. Elimination criteria focus on speed to streamline the sprint race setup.
What changes have fans seen so far this season?
The first sprint races in recent years involved five eliminated cars and eight-point scoring system, with drivers like Kimi Antoneli claiming victories at Silverstone by passing other top names like Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris. These changes bring F1 closer to the essence of short-form racing.