F1 to run sprint event at "one third" of the 2022 calendar

Domenicali at the BahrainGP — Photo: © LAT Images

F1 2022

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F1 to run sprint event at "one third" of the 2022 calendar

There will be 23 grands prix next season

Ian Parkes

Monday 4 October 2021 11:39

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has confirmed "one third" of the 2022 calendar is set to feature sprint races.

The sport is trialling the format this year across three grand prix weekends, and while it was well received after its debut at Silverstone, the reaction was more mooted after the second event at Monza. Brazil will host the third in November.

Domenicali, however, insists the reaction has been "super positive", and on that basis the 23-race calendar will feature seven or eight sprint races.

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Speaking to Sky Sports News, Domenicali said: "We said at the beginning of the year there would be three tests this year to make sure we have the right plan for the future.

"I would say the vast majority of the comments we received were totally positive, super positive. Promoters are super happy because there is something new and very important on Friday and Saturday and Sunday.

"We are receiving this positive feedback, therefore, we need to know next year we are going to have a great plan that will also consider the points highlighted by people who did not like this format too much. But generally speaking, it has been an incredible success.

"The thing I can say is we will not go everywhere with the sprint format because that is something we want to keep for one-third of the races more or less and to connect with a certain different way of giving rewards, points or to connect with specific circuits that as you know will make the difference.

"So there is a lot of food for thought. We are going to also involve all the stakeholders - broadcasters, drivers, teams, promoters and fans.

"We don't have to forget our role is to take the right strategic decision and to consider all the points of view of everyone."

Domenicali has confirmed the season "will start in the middle of March and will finish in the middle of November".

A draft calendar has been aired, with Bahrain and Abu Dhabi starting and closing the season, which is set to be ratified at a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council on October 15.