Why have Formula 1 chosen those six circuits for sprint races?

On Wednesday, Formula 1 confirmed the six circuits that will host sprint races during the 2022 season. Baku, The Red Bull Ring, Spa, Qatar, Austin and Sao Paulo are the six circuits with the alternative weekend format. In this article, GPblog looks at why Formula 1 have chosen those venues. 

It's noticeable that there's a five-race wait until the first sprint weekend format. Both Saudi Arabia and Australia aren't two of top rated circuits for overtaking. The venue of the fourth Grand Prix is still to be confirmed after China dropped off the calendar again. Bahrain is often tipped as the ideal place for a sprint race, but teams and drivers are highly unlikely to agree to just one 60-minute practice before the first meaningful session of the season. 

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix 

With six sprint weekends, Formula 1 are having to be a bit more strategic when it comes to calendar placement. It wouldn't make sense to overload the backend of the season. Baku provides the first realistic opportunity and F1 look to use it. Street circuits are often synonymous with difficult overtaking but Baku is unique. With one of the longest straights on the calendar, which is also rather wide, chances for overtakes are high. 

However, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix sat 16th out of 22 on the number of overtakes in 2022. Slightly below both Saudi Arabia and Australia. In contrast, there's a lot of jeopardy in Baku. Other sectors are narrow, and drivers are often seen sliding into the barrier. A higher risk factor makes the sprint race more exciting and challenging for the drivers. 

The Austrian Grand Prix

The 2022 edition of the Austrian sprint provided a decent amount of entertainment. Verstappen might've won from pole position, but the action behind was good. The Ferrari drivers battled each other, Lando Norris and Alex Albon had a duel, and Lewis Hamilton touched with Pierre Gasly. Plenty of narrative and excitement that deserves a second chapter. 

Austria sits in fifth place for the number of overtakes in 2022. Two of the races above them in the standings also host sprint races, with the other two unattractive because they are the first and last races on the schedule. Another attractive factor that makes it interesting for the fans watching. 

The Belgian Grand Prix

There were question marks over the future of the Belgian Grand Prix, but Formula 1 finally confirmed they will visit again in 2023. They will also bring the alternative weekend format with them to give the passionate crowd something different. Max Verstappen's dash through the field during the 2022 Grand Prix might've been one of the best advertising factors for a sprint race at this venue. Teams often use this venue as a place to take engine penalties so a sprint race will add an extra dynamic to this. 

Spa-Franchorchamps also brings some interesting weather. Belgian GP fans will be very used to that fact over recent seasons, with a washout race in 2021. Wet circuits provide an extra ingredient for jeopardy. In addition, the first corner has seen multiple crashes over recent years and therefore creates a highly anticipated grid start only to be repeated 24 hours later. 

The Qatar Grand Prix 

The Losail circuit is still a relatively unknown venue when it comes to Formula 1. It's a very quick circuit, similar to the outer loop in Bahrain. There were 49 overtakes in the 2021 edition of the Grand Prix, though winner Lewis Hamilton led every single lap of the race. The cars have changed drastically since F1 last raced in Qatar, and generally, the number of overtakes has increased. Qatar already sits in the top half of the overtaking standings when placing it alongside the 2022 events. 

Having more sprint races at the end of the season is also helpful for an entertainment factor. With more points available in the latter part of the season, the chance of a World Championship fight lasting longer is greater.

The United States Grand Prix 

This event sits second in the number of overtakes during the 2022 season. Only the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, which also hosts a sprint race, beats the circuit in Austin. Arguably, the sprint race weekend format is almost more attractive to some of the American audience. Along with the Qatar event, it sits at the end of the calendar and therefore is advantageous for any potential world championship duel. 

The Sao Paulo Grand Prix 

The circuit in Brazil combines all of the previous advantages into one. The potential for wet weather conditions, a high jeopardy first corner, towards the end of the calendar and the circuit with the most overtakes in 2022. It's the perfect storm for a sprint race, so it's no surprise to see it continue its 100% streak after sprint events in 2021 and 2022. 

The 2022 sprint race in Brazil was arguably the best ever with action throughout the whole grid and throughout the whole 100km dash. There were plenty of narratives in there as well. 2021 also saw Lewis Hamilton drive through the field from the back. It's a storyline of sprints that needs to be continued.