Formula 1 has introduced an exciting new format for the Belgian Grand Prix, with the sprint race now taking place as a standalone Saturday event. This change means that sprint qualifying will determine the starting grid, followed by the sprint race later in the day. In this article, we will take a closer look at the latest sprint race format changes and how they will work.
The sprint qualifying session for the Belgian GP will begin at 12:00pm local time (11:00am BST). The session will utilize a shorter version of the traditional Q1, Q2, and Q3 knockout format. The fastest lap times during this session will determine the starting positions for the sprint race later in the day.
The sprint race itself will commence at 4:30pm local time (3:30pm BST). It will cover a distance of 15 laps or 60 minutes, whichever comes first. The starting grid for the sprint race will be determined by the results of the sprint qualifying session. This exciting on-track battle is sure to provide plenty of nail-biting action for fans.
In the United Kingdom, Formula 1 is broadcast live on Sky Sports, with highlights shown on Channel 4 after the race has concluded. Sky Sports F1 offers coverage of all F1 races and can be added to a Sky Sports subscription for £24 per month for new customers. Alternatively, viewers can access Sky Sports through NOW with a one-off day payment of £11.98p or a monthly membership of £34.99p.
Sky Sports Coverage
For those opting to watch on Sky Sports, coverage of the Belgian GP sprint qualifying will begin at 10:30am BST on Sky Sports F1. The sprint race coverage will start at 2:30pm BST on the same channel.
Channel 4 Highlights
Channel 4 also provides highlights of the Belgian GP sprint qualifying and sprint race. The program will be aired at 7:45pm BST on Saturday evening and will run for 90 minutes. Channel 4 has committed to broadcasting highlights of every qualifying and race throughout the entire 2023 F1 season.
Live Radio Coverage
Radio coverage of every practice, qualifying, and race for the 2023 F1 season is available on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC 5 Live Sports Extra, or via the BBC Sport website. The Belgian GP sprint qualifying coverage will commence at 11:00am BST on the BBC Sport website and the BBC Sounds app. The sprint race coverage will start at 3:30pm BST on BBC Radio 5 Live and the BBC Sounds app.
Weather Conditions
For fans attending the race or for those curious about the weather conditions, it is worth noting that wet and mild weather is expected at Spa-Francorchamps on Saturday. There is a high chance of showers throughout the day, and the temperature is predicted to reach highs of 18 degrees Celsius at the start of the sprint race.
The new format for the sprint qualifying and sprint race at the Belgian GP introduces an exciting twist to the Formula 1 weekend. Fans can now look forward to an action-packed Saturday, with the results of the sprint qualifying determining the starting grid for the sprint race. Whether watching through Sky Sports, Channel 4, or listening to live radio coverage, there are plenty of options for fans to enjoy the thrilling racing at Spa-Francorchamps.
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