F1 Sprint weekends are set to undergo another reshuffle this season following a meeting of the F1 Commission. The new weekend format has been met with a mixed reception since initial trials during the 2021 season, with the number of Sprints upped from three to six last term. Sprint Shootout was introduced last season in order to add further excitement to the weekend in place of what was deemed a needless second practice session under parc fermé conditions. A statement released following the latest F1 Commission meeting explaining the new changes read: "Following previous support by the F1 Commission for an update to the Sprint weekend, there was agreement for a re-ordering of the sessions during the Sprint weekend with Free Practice 1 and Sprint Qualifying taking place on Friday, the Sprint and Grand Prix Qualifying on Saturday and the Grand Prix on Sunday. "The regulatory refinements for these changes will be presented to the World Motorsport Council (WMSC) on February 28."
Power unit relief
An agreement has also been made to re-introduce the break in power unit regulations agreed midway through last season, allowing four of each component rather than three. The DRS activation is also set to be permitted earlier, with just one lap passing after the start of the race before the overtaking aid is allowed. The statement also explained a number of topics surrounding the 2026 regulations were discussed, as well as minor updates to the regulations for the coming season being approved. All topics discussed await ratification by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
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