The 2022 Formula 1 season will feature sprint races at Imola, Austria, and Brazil, with a new points system that rewards the top eight finishers in these short races, which determine the starting grid for the main Grand Prix.
Formula 1 has confirmed three sprint races for the 2022 season following negotiations over financial concerns. These sprints, which proved successful in enhancing the excitement and action by setting the grid on Saturday, were initially planned to be doubled to six. However, leading teams sought an increase in the cost cap to accommodate the additional races.
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Formula 1, adhering to its budget cap, proposed a compromise of three sprint races, which received unanimous approval at the F1 Commission meeting on Monday.
The scheduled sprint races will be held at Imola (April 23), Austria (July 9), and Brazil (November 12).
Significant changes are also coming to the points allocation. In contrast to last year’s trial, where only the top three finishers earned points, the new system will award points to the top eight drivers. The sprint race winner will receive eight points, with decreasing points awarded down to one point for the eighth-place finisher.
Additionally, the FIA has stated that points will only be awarded if at least two laps are completed without the intervention of a safety car.
This amendment follows the precedent set by last season’s Belgian Grand Prix, a two-lap race heavily affected by rain and conducted entirely behind the safety car.
Source: Sky Sports F1
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