Big change! F1 Commission decides on three sprints, changes to scoring and comments on the end of the 2021 season in Abu Dhabi

Compared to the original plan, Formula 1 fans will see three sprints in the next edition. However, the F1 Commission discussed several other points. How will the new sprints be scored or what did the FIA President say about the last race of the 2021 season?

The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring and the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos. These are the three confirmed races where Formula 1 fans will see the F1 Sprint – that’s what the “Sprint Qualifier” will officially be called.

In addition, in response to feedback from fans and drivers, pole position will officially be awarded to the fastest driver in Friday’s qualifying, not Saturday’s sprint.

However, this is only a symbolic change, the winner of the sprint will of course start Sunday’s race from first place. The big change, however, is the sprint scoring itself.

In the previous season, the winner of the sprint scored three points, the runner-up scored two and the third scored only one. The new season will look completely different with regard to the sprint scoring, as the top eight riders will share the points!

Thus, the winner of the sprint will get eight points, the second seven, the third six, and the eighth driver in the standings will get one point according to this logic. So we won’t see sprints in Bahrain, the Netherlands and Canada after all.

“Following a review of the three sprint races held in 2021 and the recognition by all that this format has created a positive contribution to the sport, three sprint races have been confirmed for 2022, which has been recognised as a reasonable number,” the FIA said in its official statement.

The FIA and Formula 1 management are also reacting to major upheaval regarding the events of last year’s Belgian Grand Prix.

At the Spa circuit, the race was formally abandoned after four hours, with half-points being handed out to drivers. But that’s all over now, no points will be awarded to drivers unless the race leader completes at least two green flag laps (in race mode).

You can also see in the post above how points will be awarded if the race leader completes more than two laps but less than 75% of the race.

Reaction to the events in Abu Dhabi

The FIA’s investigation into last year’s controversial conclusion to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will not compromise the integrity of the governing body, according to its president.

However, after a detailed examination, Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirmed that the explanation and analysis still remain incomplete. However, he said the investigation is still ongoing and F1 has reportedly reached an agreement with the FIA on several aspects.

However, no further information or specific explanations have been given by the FIA or Formula 1. Thus, more investigations are said to follow, but according to Ben Sulayem, it is on the right track and he also believes in another great season.

The FIA President will then publicly present news regarding structural changes and the action plan in the coming days.

Sources: FIA, Motorsport, Race Fans