Teams have finally reached an agreement with Formula 1 over holding Sprint races in 2022. There has been much speculation in recent weeks over whether or not the event - which was trialled at three race weekends in 2021 - would go ahead this year due to a stand-off with some of the teams. As previously reported , they were understood to be seeking an additional allowance alongside F1's budget cap, in light of the increased costs and risks of taking part in the proposed six additional 30-minute races over the course of the season. This led to McLaren CEO Zak Brown calling the request from some teams for a budget cap increase "ridiculous", and he also suggested that the impasse could result in no Sprint races being held in 2022. However, it has now been confirmed following the latest meeting of the F1 Commission on Monday that three Sprint events will take place this season. These will be held at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the Austrian Grand Prix and the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Key changes made to F1's Sprint in 2022
There will be some changes made to the format, with the points system being the main alteration. Whereas points were only awarded to the top three in 2021, this will now be extended to the top eight finishers. The winner will receive eight points, second place will receive seven, and this continues in descending order down to one point for finishing eighth. Pole position will officially be awarded to the fastest driver in Friday's traditional qualifying, but the driver who wins the Sprint will start the Grand Prix in first. As such, the official name of Saturday's event will change from Sprint Qualifying to Sprint. Cost cap adjustments for the Sprint will remain unchanged from 2021. A statement from the FIA following the F1 Commission meeting reads: "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." All regulatory changes remain subject to approval by the World Motor Sport Council, which will meet on the eve of the 2022 season in Bahrain on 18 March.
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