Formula 1 have confirmed there will be three sprint events in 2022, following talks with the FIA and the teams.
The original plan was to have six sprint races in the 2022 season, twice the number of 2021, but a dispute over the budget cap and accident damage costs mean the Emilia Romagna, Austrian and Brazilian GP will host the 100km races which will set the grid for the main Grand Prix.
“Following a review of the three sprint events that took place in 2021 and a recognition by all that the format created positive benefits for the sport, three Sprint events were proposed for 2022, acknowledging this as a sensible number in light of the pressures already on the teams for this season with the introduction of major changes to the regulations,” an FIA statement said.
“The [F1] Commission unanimously approved the three sprint events for the coming season, incorporating a number of updates to the format based on the feedback of fans, media and teams.”
New 2022 F1 sprint points system
A major change to the sprint format is more points will be awarded to the winner of the 100km race, with the top eight drivers scoring points.
Eight points will be given to the first place driver, which is five more than 2021. The second place driver will receive seven points, with third place awarded six points, continuing down to one point for the eighth place finisher.
Pole position will be officially be awarded to the quickest driver from Friday qualifying, rather than the winner of the sprint which caused confusion in 2021, though the grid for Sunday’s main race will still be formed by the sprint.
The official name of Saturday’s event will also change from sprint qualifying to sprint.
Shortened race points system drastically changed
Following the controversial 2021 Belgian GP, F1 has changed the points that are given out during races which do not complete the full distance and the race ends under a red flag.
For points to be awarded, at least two laps must be completed without the intervention of the Safety Car or Virtual Safety Car.
The points system has also changed depending on the race distance that has been completed, with more points handed out for the more laps that have been done.
| Pos. | <2 laps | 2 laps-25% | 25-50% | 50-75% | 75-100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 6 | 13 | 19 | 25 |
| 2 | 0 | 4 | 10 | 14 | 18 |
| 3 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 12 | 15 |
| 4 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 10 | 12 |
| 5 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 8 | 10 |
| 6 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 6 | 8 |
| 7 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 6 |
| 8 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| 9 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
