The schedule for sprint weekends for this season has been refreshed again in an attempt to create a better spectacle.
In February, teams voted to keep the same sessions, but the order in which they take place has been rejigged.
Last year, Saturday became a standalone sprint day, independent of the main grand prix, with a ‘sprint shootout’ added to determine who started on pole for the 100km race later that day. Qualifying for Sunday’s race was held on Friday, after one hour of practice.
The previous format for sprint weekends, which were introduced in 2021, had the Friday qualifying session setting the grid for the sprint and the result of the sprint establishing the grid for the main grand prix.
That meant drivers were reluctant to take chances in the sprint because any errors or accidents would disproportionately harm their chances in the grand prix.