FIA approves sprint qualifying for 3 F1 races in 2021

Sprint qualifying at three Grand Prix races in 2021 was unanimously approved by the FIA Formula 1 commission on Monday, according to an announcement.

The exact dates and locations of the events were not revealed, but are said to take place this season at two European venues and one non-European venue.

Under the newly approved format, there will be a qualifying session on Friday after the first free practice to determine the grid for sprint qualifying on Saturday. The results of Saturday's 100-kilometer sprint qualifying will then determine the grid for Sunday's race.

It was also decided the top three finishers in Saturday's sprint qualifying will receive points, with first place earning three points, second getting two, and third receiving one.

The purpose of the new format is to "increase the on-track action and engage fans in new and innovative way," according to the FIA.

"I am pleased to see that Formula 1 is seeking new ways to engage with its fans and enlarge the spectacle of a race weekend through the concept of sprint qualifying. It was made possible thanks to the continued collaboration between the FIA, Formula 1, and all of the teams," FIA president Jean Todt said.

"F1 is showing itself to be stronger than ever with all stakeholders working together in this way, and much has been done to ensure that the sporting, technical and financial aspects of the format are fair."

The news was well-received by Haas' F1 race team after it was released.