How F1 sprint format will work at Sao Paulo GP

Sprint qualifying is back this weekend as F1 heads to Interlagos for the 2022 Sao Paulo Grand Prix. 

As per last year, a shorter sprint race will take place on Saturday afternoon to determine the grid for the main grand prix. 

The format itself remains similar, however, there have been a number of changes made by F1 bosses to make the sprint race more rewarding for drivers. 

• Can Hamilton end win drought at his second ‘home’ race?

How does F1 sprint work?

F1’s sprint qualifying is a 100km race on Saturday afternoon which is used to decide the grid for the grand prix. 

Its introduction sees practice reduced and drivers thrown straight into qualifying on Friday afternoon.

Friday will begin with one practice session followed by the conventional qualifying format (Q1, Q2, Q3). 

The result of qualifying will determine the sprint race grid, while the result of that will shape up the order for the main event on Sunday. 

Practice has been reduced to two sessions (One session before qualifying and one session before the sprint).

Where will we see F1 sprint in 2022?

Originally, F1 bosses hoped to run the sprint races at six grands prix this year but the teams didn’t agree on the basis that costs could be too high in the cost cap era.

So like in 2021, F1 sprint will take place at three race weekends.

Imola hosts the first sprint weekend, followed by the Red Bull Ring for the Austrian Grand Prix.

Finally, Interlagos will once again host a sprint race with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

What changes have been made to the format?

Unlike last year, the accolade for pole position will be awarded to the driver who is fastest in qualifying.

In its first year, the driver who won the sprint was officially awarded pole position, leading to some confusion and criticism from fans.

The points system has also been adjusted for this year.

In 2021, points were only handed out to the top three finishes (3-2-1), but for this year, points will be awarded to the top eight (8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1), giving drivers more incentive to go for overtakes rather than settle for their grid position.