The F1 calendar again has sprint races on it for the 2022 season, but how many are there planned to be this season? At which tracks will they be taking place?
In 2021, perhaps the biggest shake-up to the format of a grand prix weekend in a generation was ushered in.
At some events, the well-worn three practice sessions, qualifying on Saturday and Sunday’s main grand prix was shown the door.
In came F1 sprint – a qualifying race used to set the grid for the main grand prix – in a bid to create mixed-up grids and add a bit of jeopardy for drivers and teams.
It’s back for 2022, but just how many sprint races will there be in F1 this season? When and where will they be taking place?
2022 F1 SPRINT RACES
As in the 2021 season, in 2022 there will be a total of three F1 sprint races for drivers and teams to tackle.
F1 had hoped to include more, but the teams were reluctant to do so, especially as they are now acting under the budget cap.
While the number of sprint races remains the same in 2022 as in ’21, there is a difference where they will be taking place.
This season, F1 will run the sprint races at the following 2022 races:
Imola – Italy – Saturday 23rd April
Red Bull Ring – Austria – Saturday 9th July
Interlagos – Brazil – Saturday 12th November
Silverstone and Monza both drop off the F1 sprint race calendar for 2022, replaced by Imola and the Red Bull Ring, with Interlagos keeping its place.
WHO DID THE BEST IN 2021?
In 2021, Valtteri Bottas was the most successful driver in F1 sprint races.
The Finn claimed third at Silverstone, and first at both Monza and Interlagos.
He did not start from pole in Italy owing to a engine penalty change, dropping him to the back of the field.
Max Verstappen claimed the other win on British soil – claiming seven points from the races.
By comparison, his great title rival Lewis Hamilton only banked two points from sprint races – second place at Silverstone.
