Formula 1 is set to half the number of Sprint events over the course of the 2022 season following a financial disagreement.
Plans were originally drawn up for nine Sprint events, but that was quickly cut back to just six – which is double the number of Sprint events that took place last year when the format was introduced for the first time – but could now be cut even further.
As a result of the extra on-track action and the potential for additional wear, tear and damage, teams were given a small payment to offset those costs. However for 2022 it was revealed that some teams are pushing for extra money, with McLaren’s Zak Brown calling out one team in particular for demanding a budget cap raise of $5 million before agreeing to six Sprints.
“A couple of teams, and one team in particular, wanted a $5m budget cap increase, which was just ridiculous,” Brown said.
“[There are] no rational facts behind it. When you challenged them, they go to what if and could and you’ve got to anticipate. You sit there and go ‘This is just nonsense.'”
Brown suggested at the time that without approval from all teams, F1 could be forced to drop the Sprint format altogether, but it’s now been proposed that the original six be cut down to three, matching the 2021 tally, as part of a compromise package.
The original six Sprints were set to be held at the season-opener in Bahrain, followed by Imola, Canada, Austria, The Netherlands and Brazil.
F1 is also planning on tweaking the format, with points awarded further down the order, rather than just first, second and third, whilst pole position would be awarded to the fastest qualifier and not the Sprint winner, as was the case last year.
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