Harshvardhan Thakur
F1 2022 calendar featured 3 sprint races and now we are heading for the third and last one in the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix.
Formula 1 started a new sprint qualification format in 2021 last season. The rules are simple – it is just a 100 km long short dash to the finish line. There are no mandatory pitstops for the drivers. It’s pure racing action with drivers racing flat out. The driver who wins the sprint race takes home 8 Championship points with every driver receiving 1 less point till the eighth place.
Also, the finishing order will define the starting grid for the main race on Sunday. This also makes the sprint a basis for qualification.
The Final sprint race of the 2022 F1 calendar
The last two sprint races of 2022 ended with Verstappen clinching both wins. The earlier two sprint races took place during the race weekend of Imola and the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull ring.
Now, the penultimate round of the 2022 F1 season brings us back to the iconic circuit of Interlagos. F1 is gearing up for the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix and the final sprint.
Brazil will be the only venue to host sprint races two times in a row. Now, no one can forget the 2021 sprint here in Sao Paulo mostly because of Lewis Hamilton. But can the 7-time world champion produce a similar charge this time around?
It’s known to everyone that Max Verstappen and Red Bull are flying this season and sure will be the favorites to win the Brazilian GP and sprint. The Mercedes team is chasing and closing the gap but still looks far from the fastest on the grid. However, we know that the Brazilian GP is one of the favorites Hamilton and he will push to his maximum. We might be for some upsets especially if Hamilton has a good qualifying session for the sprint on Friday.
The newsprint format is not entirely welcomed by the fans with some deeming it “unnecessary”. However, drivers have indicated their approval several times for the format although many doubt if more sprint races are necessary or not. Haas driver Kevin Magnussen is happy with the new format:
“I think we’ve done well, we’ve scored points at every sprint so far and I actually quite like those weekends where you get into serious business, quickly,” Magnussen explained.
“Three practice sessions are actually a lot, and these weekends show that you can get ready for qualifying with one practice. It’s the same for everyone, you deal with it, and it becomes normal. From a driving perspective, it’s very cool.”
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