How does an F1 week work? Interviews, practice, qualifying and race schedule for 2023
Between March and November, the life of a Formula 1 driver is very busy.
Aside from the odd rest week, the calendar of these days continues to grow with over 20 races. And every Grand Prix is at least a four-day commitment in itself.
From traveling in between, to attending to media duties, to practice and qualifying, and then the race days themselves, an F1 driver can be forgiven for feeling a bit drained after all that.
Sporting News runs through the usual F1 week and what’s happening each day.
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This is how a Formula 1 weekly schedule works
Wednesday
All crews and equipment arrive at the track and set up their garages around the circuit to get ready for the week.
Thursday
Traditionally, Thursday in a normal F1 week was media day. After arriving at the track, the riders had to conduct interviews with the press in the paddock, talk to broadcasters and rights holders. But now it’s more about sponsorship engagements and riders having initial talks with their team ahead of the weekend.
On the technical side, the teams will assemble cars and do initial tests before practice sessions.
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Friday
After the media engagements, which have been moved from their usual Thursday appointment to Friday morning and can last no longer than two hours, Friday is all about training. Sessions are split into Free Practice 1 and Free Practice 2 (FP1 and FP2) as teams rev their cars and put them through their paces.
Meet our stunning cars of 2023 😍
Which is your favorite?! 👀#F1 #F1Test pic.twitter.com/f3CNaKsmjl
— Formula 1 (@F1) February 23, 2023
Saturday
The third and final practice session (FP3) starts on Saturday morning, with the cars simulating qualifying conditions. Then it goes straight to qualifying.
Qualifying, which usually takes place on Saturday afternoon, is divided into three phases – Q1, Q2 and Q3 – each lasting 18 minutes, 15 minutes and 12 minutes. The five slowest cars are eliminated after Q1, five more are eliminated after Q2 and then it’s all about ranking the drivers according to their lap times.
Sprint qualifying races work a little differently, with the ‘traditional’ qualifying section taking place on the Friday before the Saturday sprint.
Sunday
Time for the grand prize. The cars line up in their qualifying slots and the race takes place. Race start times vary but are usually early afternoon local time, unless of course it is a scheduled night race.
For more on how the race weekend went, check out this excellent video from SimplyF1.