Formula 1’s governing body the FIA has confirmed there will three sprint races in 2022 instead of the originally planned six.
F1 had pushed to increase the number of sprint events for this year, but some teams wanted to extend the cost cap from its $140m limit in order to cover compensation for crash damage.
Following Tuesday’s F1 commission meeting, it was agreed just three sprint races will take place this season, as was the case in 2021.
The three venues chosen to host the sprints are the Emilia Romanga, Austrian and Brazilian Grand Prix’s, with Bahrain, Caanda and Zandvoort all being dropped.
There will be changes to the sprints following a review of last year’s three trialled events, with pole position now awarded to the driver who is fastest in Friday qualifying rather than the sprint.
The FIA also revealed there will be a tweak to the points system for the sprint, with points now awarded to the top eight finishers.
Last year points were only allocated to the top three drivers, the winner receiving three points down to one point for third place.
Instead the points will be handed out on the basis of 8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1, upping the importance of a strong performance in the sprint.
It was also confirmed that cost cap adjustments for the sprint events would remain unchanged from last year.
A statement published by the FIA read: “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.
“The 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.”
The FIA also confirmed that there would be changes to the points system for shortened races after last year’s washout at the Belgian Grand Prix.
Heavy rain resulted in long delays before just two laps were completed behind the safety car when it was decided to not restart the race – marking the shortest grand prix in F1 history.
The two laps under safety car conditions aligned with rules stating an official classification could be issued and half points awarded, which was met his severe criticism from fans.
From 2022, no points will be awarded unless drivers complete two racing laps without the intervention of a safety car or virtual safety car. This would have meant drivers would not have received points for last year’s race at Spa had the new rules been in place.
Further changes have been announced depending on how much of a race distance has been completed in the event of a stoppage, which will see the allocation of points vary as follows.
If the race leader completes more than two laps but less than 25% of the scheduled distance, the top five finishers will be awarded points:
1st – 6 points
2nd – 4 points
3rd – 3 points
4th – 2 points
5th – 1 point
If the leader completes more than 25% but less than 50% of the scheduled distance, the top nine drivers will receive points:
1st – 13 points
2nd – 10 points
3rd – 8 points
4th – 6 points
5th – 5 point
6th – 4 points
7th – 3 points
8th – 2 points
9th – 1 point
If the leader completes more than 50% but less than 75% of the scheduled distance, points will be awarded to the top 10:
1st – 19 points
2nd – 14 points
3rd – 12 points
4th – 9 points
5th – 8 point
6th – 6 points
7th – 5 points
8th – 3 points
9th – 2 points
10th – 1 point
The proposed changes to F1’s rules will need to be approved by the World Motor Sport Council before they are made official. The changes are expected to be ratified on the eve of the season opener in Bahrain.
