Imola race track (F1)
The 2022 F1 season has a few changes in store for fans, including to the F1 sprint race
The 2022 F1 season is just a few weeks away but the changes in the rules continue. Teams are unveiling their new liveries and cars ahead of massive technical changes, and it will be interesting to see which team can start off the blocks the best.
Mercedes and Red Bull had an intense rivalry which often went to the edge of insanity. The last few races of the 2021 season also brought out the best and worst of the two tops teams as they battled for the titles.
It all came down to the final race and there are still questions regarding how the last lap took place. Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton were locked on the same number of points going into the final race last season, and it was the Dutchman who beat the Brit to win the title for the first time.
A few points more for Hamilton could have helped him win the title last time around, and there seems to be a chance to get more ahead of the 2022 season.
The F1 Commission has confirmed that the points system has been changed into the new season. Last season was the first time with the new sprint race on certain weekends. Only the top three drivers scored points with the winner getting three points, two for coming second and one for coming third.
However, this time around there is a major change. The winner of the sprint race will get a massive eight points and each driver after that gets one point less.
The last points winner would be in eighth place, who gets one point. There is also another change regarding who gets pole.
Earlier, the winner of the sprint race was adjudged to have won pole for the weekend. However, from the upcoming season, the racer setting the fastest time on Friday before the sprint race, gets awarded the pole position.
The sprint race was a brand new concept last season to liven up some weekends. Only three Grand Prix had the sprint race and the grid for this would be decided on Friday after qualifying.
The sprint race would take place on Saturday and this is a 100km dash to the finish line. There are no restrictions regarding tyre usage and also it is not mandatory for drivers to pit during the sprint race.
The finishing positions for the sprint race determine what the order is for the main race on Sunday.
The British, Italian and Brazilian Grand Prix held the sprint format in the 2021 season and there will be three tracks doing the same in 2022.
This year things have changed a bit. The Austrian GP will also be holding the event this year with Brazil and Italy keeping their sprint options.
The additional points will certainly make it an interesting race, and these points could make a difference regarding who comes out on top in the driver’s standings too.
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