John N
The F1 Sprint format is back for a second year in 2022 – but there are a few tweaks, including a new points system and a couple of new track locations. Here’s your one-stop-shop on what to expect, from Friday qualifying through to the main event – the Grand Prix – on Sunday afternoon.
Following a review of the three Sprint events last year, the FIA said it had been decided to maintain the same number for 2022 given the pressures on the teams with the introduction of sweeping changes to the aerodynamic rules.
There’s been a switch-up of the venues that will host the Sprint, though, with Imola and the Red Bull Ring getting the chance to run the format.
What’s the format?
As was the case last year, F1 Sprint will be a 100km dash with no mandatory pit stops and drivers racing flat-out to the chequered flag.
However, there’ll be far more at stake this year, with points being awarded to the top eight drivers (previously it was the top three). The driver who takes P1 will now receive 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 finishing order of F1 Sprint will continue to define the grid for Sunday’s showpiece event – the Grand Prix, where the traditional format remains unchanged.
Who is awarded pole position?
Last year, the driver who won the Sprint was awarded the honor of pole position. However, this year, the driver who sets the fastest time in qualifying – which on Sprint weekends takes place on Friday – will be given the accolade. The driver who takes pole position on Friday will start the Sprint in the first position. The driver who wins the Sprint will start P1 in Sunday’s Grand Prix.
What about practice?
There will only be two practice sessions on Sprint weekends, giving the teams less time to finetune their machines for qualifying and the race. The first will take place on Friday ahead of qualifying, with the second slotting in before the Sprint on Saturday.
