Throughout the 2022 Formula 1 season there are 22 race weekends, each of which culminates in an epic Grand Prix race to decide the winner and dole out coveted championship points to drivers and their teams. These are the longest events of the weekend and require teams to be on top of their cars and strategy to last the 50+ laps at top speeds.
Grand Prix races take place at the end of every race weekend, after teams complete practice runs, Qualifying, and, on 3 special weekends, the Sprint race.
These races are the longest and most taxing events of the weekends for drivers and teams. Unlike Qualifying, where drivers take turns posting their fastest laps, the Grand Prix pits all drivers against one another to see who can finish first after approximately 60 laps (190 miles) and up to 2 hours of action-packed racing.
In addition to duration and distance, teams must account for tire and pit stop requirements in their race strategies.
Each race presents teams with three slick tire compounds - Soft, Medium, and Hard - from which they must use two. These compounds vary in terms of speed and durability, so choosing the right options is critical.
In the event of inclement weather, Intermediate and Wet compounds are added to the mix.
Teams are also required to make at least one pit stop during the race, although many adopt two-pit strategies on certain tracks. They may leverage additional pit stops to take advantage of safety cars, repair damage, or simply chase after the fastest lap title on fresh tires.
Driver starting grid positions are generally determined based on their Qualifying performance the day prior, except on weekends with Sprint races. For those 3 special weekends, Sprint results dictate the Grand Prix starting grid. The driver starting from position 1 is said to be in “pole position.”
Drivers are awarded points based on how they finish in the race. The total number of points awarded for placement is 101, with a single bonus point available to the driver who sets the fastest lap time.
Simply put, drivers finishing in the top 10 positions (first through tenth) earn points and all other drivers walk away empty handed.
Points are awarded on a sliding scale, with first place earning 25 points, 18 for second, 15 for third, all the way down to just 1 point for tenth place.
In addition to points for placement, the Grand Prix also awards 1 point to the driver who sets the fastest lap time during the race. The only catch is that this driver also has to finish in the top 10, otherwise the point is forfeit.
