Domenicali: One third of 2022 F1 events to include sprint races

Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali says the sport will likely boost its number of sprint races in 2022, with the format set to be included in one third of next year's events.

F1 is in the process of trialing the innovative Saturday afternoon 30-minute race, unrolling the format at Silverstone in July and at Monza last month, with a final trial expected to take place in Brazil in November.

While F1 drivers have offered contrasted feedback on the novel format, overall, the reaction from Grand Prix racing's community and the fans has been "positive" according to Domenicali who qualified the sprint races as an "incredible success".

Formula 1 will undertake a comprehensive final assessment of the format at the end of the season, but it appears that it will be expanded next season.

"We said at the beginning of the year there would be three tests this year to make sure we have the right plan for the future," Domenicali told Sky Sport's Craig Slater.

"The vast majority of the comments we received were super positive. Promoters are super happy because there is something new and important on Friday and Saturday and Sunday.

"We are receiving this positive feedback therefore we need to know next year we have a great plan where we will consider also the points highlighted by people who did not like this format.

"Generally speaking it has been an incredible success.

"I can say we will not go everywhere with the Sprint qualy format," added the Italian.

"It is something we want to keep for one third of the races more or less, and to connect with a certain different way of giving rewards and points and to connect with specific circuits that as you know would make the difference.

"So there is a lot of food for thought. We will involve all the stakeholders: broadcasters, drivers, teams, promoters and fans.

"We won't forget our role is to take the right decision and to consider all the points and points of view of everyone."

• Read also: McLaren pressing for 'ideal' 20-race F1 schedule in the future

Formula 1's 2022 calendar is set to include a record 23 races, with a new venue, Miami, appearing on the docket in May.

Specific dates have yet to assigned but Domenicali revealed that the 2022 campaign would kick off in mid-March as usual but end in the middle of November, a conclusion last enjoyed by F1

"For sure, the calendar will be done with 23 races," said the former Ferrari team boss.

"Of course, we will be very respectful towards the Covid regulations issued around the world from the different governments. But that is our aim that F1 can give this sign of hope and to go to normal things to enjoy."

"The idea is to make sure there is the right rhythm to the calendar. There are of course considerations related to periods to make sure logistically the flow has to be right.

"One thing I can tell you, without discovering too many things is that next year the season will start in the middle of March and will finish in the middle of November."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter