Formula 1's sprint race format, introduced during the 2021 season, is back on the calendar this year with some changes. There will be six sprint races, unlike the prior season where only three took place. The sprint races will be held over a condensed race distance of 100 KM on Saturdays, following qualifying rounds earlier on the same day. Unlike full-length races, no pit stops are needed during sprint races. This season there will be a new session called F1 Sprint Shootout, which will serve as a standalone qualifying session for the sprint race to determine the grid, happening before the sprint race on the same day. Certain tires must be used during the Shootout session, creating a new challenge for drivers. This year's F1 Sprint will begin before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku at the end of April.

Moreover, only 19 drivers will take part in the Formula 1 sprint race today in Azerbaijan due to Logan Sargeant's crash during Q1. Sargeant's car has been withdrawn, leading to changes in the grid's position with Alexander Albon taking the 12th spot, while Nico Hulkenberg will move up into his 13th spot. Additionally, Esteban Ocon is withdrawing his grid positions for both today's sprint race and tomorrow's Grand Prix in Azerbaijan, allowing improvements to be made to his Alpine car's set-up. Ocon has to start both races from the pits due to the changes made on his car's set-up; therefore, the positions of all other drivers have shifted. Finally, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who will be starting in P1 for the sprint race today, says that the team aims to continue leading the race as they have worked a lot on the car.