Formula 1 will host the first sprint race of the 2022 season this weekend in Imola. The format proved to be a success last year, but some adjustments have been made here and there. How was it exactly?
During a sprint race weekend, the regular program is considerably overhauled. Only one free practice session will be held on Friday, after which it is immediately time for qualifying for the sprint race. This is done using the usual system: Q1, Q2 and Q3. The result of this qualification forms the starting grid for the sprint race. Unlike last year, the fastest driver in qualifying will officially be awarded pole position. In 2021 this honor went to the winner of the sprint.
Sprint race scoring
On Saturday, there will again be only one free practice session. Then it’s time for the sprint race itself. This will be run over 100 kilometers and will therefore take about half an hour. The results of the sprint race then form the starting grid for the Grand Prix on Sunday. If a driver drops out, he will therefore have to start from the back. The scoring has also been addressed. The winner gets eight points this season (was three points), the number two seven points (was two points) and that continues until one point for the number eight. So there are considerably more marbles to earn than last year, where only the top three got points.
scoring
Number one: eight points
Number two: seven points
Number three: six points
Number four: five points
Number five: four points
Number six: three points
Number seven: two points
Number eight: one point
How many sprint races will be held?
In total there will be three sprint races this season. Formula 1 first bet on six weekends, but a number of teams did not like this because of possible extra costs in combination with the budget cap. The sprint races will be completed in Imola, Austria and Brazil. Max Verstappen won the first sprint race in the history of the sport at Silverstone last year. In addition, a sprint was held at Monza (Italy) and Interlagos (Brazil).
Sprintraces 2022
Grand Prix van Emilia-Romagna: 23 april
Austrian Grand Prix: July 9
Brazilian Grand Prix: November 12
