The Formula 1 Sprint format returns for a second season, but in 2022 there a few changes: the most important include a different points system and some other venues which will host this special format during the 2022 Formula One championship. Here we take a look at what to expect, from Friday qualifying through to the main event – the Grand Prix – on Sunday afternoon.
When are the 2022 Formula 1 Sprint race?
This interesting format was trialled during the previous F1 campaign, with contrasting opinions from teams, drivers, but also media and fans. After a thorough review of the three Sprint events which took place in 2021, the FIA confirmed that it had been decided to keep the same number for the current season. The initial plan was for six Sprint races to take place this year, but given the budget cap and the new aerodynamic rules, the ideal solution was to continue with just three Sprint events.
What has changed is the locations which will host the Sprint: the Imola circuit and the Red Bull Ring will get the opportunity to run the format, while Sao Paulo Grand Prix gets its second helping of F1 Sprint, after Interlagos also hosted the event last season and was considered a success thanks to an eye-catching weekend in Brazil.
What is the Sprint format?
Just like in 2021, Formula 1 Sprint will be a 100km race without any mandatory pit stops and drivers racing flat-out to the chequered flag. However, rewards do significantly increase this season, with points being awarded to the top eight drivers (previously it was the top three). The driver who wins the Sprint now gets a more lucrative eight points, rather than three, with a sliding scale down to one point for eighth place. These points will apply in both drivers’ and constructors’ championships.
The final starting grid for Sunday’s main event will continue to be represented by the finishing order of F1 Sprint on Saturday evening. On Sunday, the traditional format remains the same, without any changes.
Who is awarded pole position?
In 2021, the driver who won the Sprint race received the honour of taking pole position. One big change for the 2022 F1 season is the fact that the driver who sets the fastest time in qualifying – which on Sprint weekends takes place on Friday – will be given pole position. The driver who takes pole position on Friday will start the Sprint in first position, while the one who takes P1 in the Sprint events starts the Grand Prix from first place the following day.
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How are the practice sessions scheduled?
There will only be two practice sessions on Sprint weekends, which means less time for teams in order to evaluate and identify the best setup for the qualifying session and the race. FP1 is scheduled for Friday afternoon, followed by the qualifying session in the evening, while FP2 takes place on Saturday afternoon and represents the final chance for teams to prepare for the Sprint which is held later in the evening on the same day.
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