Formula 1’s Sprint Shootout is a special qualifying session that sets the starting grid for the Sprint race on select F1 weekends, using three short, high-pressure segments called SQ1, SQ2 and SQ3.

What is the Formula 1 Sprint Shootout?

On Sprint weekends, the Sprint Shootout is a standalone qualifying held before the Sprint race and separate from normal Grand Prix qualifying.

It exists to decide the starting order for the shorter Sprint race, not Sunday’s main Grand Prix.

Key points:

  • It happens on Sprint weekends only, not at every race.
  • Its result sets the grid for the Sprint race.
  • Traditional qualifying (for Sunday) is run separately, usually on Friday or later on Saturday.

How the Sprint Shootout works (SQ1, SQ2, SQ3)

The Sprint Shootout copies the usual three-phase qualifying format but with shorter sessions and stricter tyre rules.

  • SQ1: 12 minutes, all 20 cars, top 15 advance.
  • SQ2: 10 minutes, 15 cars, top 10 advance.
  • SQ3: 8 minutes, 10 cars, fights for the top grid spots for the Sprint.

Because the sessions are so short, most teams only realistically get one proper flat‑out run per segment, so any mistake or traffic can ruin a lap and massively shuffle the order.

Tyre rules and extra pressure

Unlike normal qualifying, tyre compounds are mandated in the Sprint Shootout.

  • SQ1: New medium tyres only.
  • SQ2: New medium tyres only.
  • SQ3: New soft tyres only.

All tyres must be new , which forces teams to manage their tyre allocation across the weekend and also keeps the field on a level playing field during the Shootout.

This setup makes the sessions intense: with little time on the clock and only fresh tyres allowed, drivers have to push flat out immediately.

Where the Sprint Shootout fits in a Sprint weekend

On a modern Sprint weekend, the days are structured roughly like this:

  • Friday: One practice session, then full qualifying for Sunday’s Grand Prix.
  • Saturday morning: Sprint Shootout (sets Sprint grid).
  • Saturday later: Sprint race (about 100 km, separate from the main GP).
  • Sunday: Grand Prix with its own grid based on Friday qualifying.

The Sprint race itself awards points to the top finishers (typically down to eighth place), which is why the Shootout grid really matters.

Why fans talk about it so much

Fans and drivers still debate whether the Sprint format improves the show, but the Shootout clearly adds drama to Saturday.

Common viewpoints:

  • Supporters like that:
    • There is meaningful, competitive running on all three days.
* The short sessions can mix up the grid and create exciting Sprints.
  • Critics argue that:
    • It can be confusing for new fans to track two different qualifying sessions and two grids.
* It adds stress and risk for teams with more chances for accidents before the main race.

Still, by 2025–2026 F1 has kept and tweaked the format, suggesting the Sprint Shootout is likely to remain part of the sport’s “extra action” package on selected race weekends.

TL;DR:
The Formula 1 Sprint Shootout is a three-part, shortened qualifying session (12/10/8 minutes) with mandated new tyres that sets the starting grid for the Saturday Sprint race on specific F1 weekends.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.