2022 Formula 1 Weekend Format

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 It is Thursday June 16th, which means the weekend events for this year's 2022 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal commence tomorrow. More on the Canadian GP to come. One of the most exciting aspects of Formula 1 is what takes place on the Friday and Saturday leading up to the race, let's take a look at the 2022 weekend format!


Thursday

Thursday is no longer Media Day. Traditionally, teams would have most of their staff arrive early in the morning, with media duties taking up the majority of the day.

The pre-race driver press conference has been moved to Friday, versus the drivers speaking in pairs over a 4 hour period on Thursday.

Teams will now have the ability to fly in Thursday instead of Wednesday night, with a later starting time on Thursday.

Teams will have 3.5 hours to walk the track, and the FIA will complete systems checks and and track inspections while teams have their engineering meetings. 

If you want to see cars flying around the track, Thursday may seem boring. Have no fear, Friday is here!


Friday

The new Media Day. The Driver's Press Conference will run over 2 hours and must finish 90 minutes before the first Practice.

Free Practice 1 (FP1): This is the first opportunity for teams and drivers to get out on the track and test the cars for the weekend, FP1 lasts 1 hour. Some teams choose to use a 3rd driver for FP1, typically an up-and-coming driver who has the potential to get a race seat in the near future.

Free Practice 2 (FP2): Taking place 2 hours after FP1, FP2 is another chance out on the track for teams and drivers to iron out issues and analyze the data gathered on the track. A driver briefing takes place 90 minutes after the checkered flag falls for FP2, this is a chance for the drivers to give feedback on the circuit and to hear any changes taking place on the track.


Saturday

The Team Principal's Press Conference is on Saturday, versus historically being on Fridays in between FP1 and FP2. This is an opportunity for Team Principals to address the media regarding weekend expectations, FP1 and FP2 performance, and their strategy heading into FP3 and Qualifying later in the day.

Free Practice 3 (FP3): Taking place 1.5 hours after the Team Principal's Press Conference, this is the final chance for teams to get things right and address any concerns with the car. Like FP1 and FP2, it is 1 hour long and occurs a couple of hours before Qualifying.

Qualifying: Ah, it is finally here. Without a doubt the most exciting event of the weekend so far. 20 drivers giving it everything they have, driving to the limit of both human and vehicle capabilities. Qualifying is broken down into 3 rounds (Q1, Q2, Q3), and determines the starting grid positions for the race on Sunday.

Q1: All 20 drivers, 18 minutes to get the fastest lap possible, with the 5 slowest drivers eliminated. Positions 16-20 on the grid set for the race.

Q2: Remaining 15 drivers, 15 minutes to get the fastest lap possible, with the 5 slowest drivers eliminated. Positions 11-15 on the grid set for the race.

Q3: The final 10 drivers, 12 minutes, the fastest driver taking pole position and Q3 lap times determine positions 2-10 on the grid for the race. 


Sunday 

The Grand Prix. The highlight of the week. For most F1 fans, it feels like Super Bowl Sunday. The exact time the race starts is dependent on the race location and time zone, and with F1 being a global sports fans across the world are all glued to their TVs at completely different points in their day. 

The Grand Prix is very simple. All 20 drivers line up on the grid based on their performance in Qualifying, and may the best and fastest driver win. 


With drivers and fans from all over the world coming together for one event, it is an amazing moment. Cars screaming around the track. Drivers, teams, and fans holding on during the emotional rollercoaster. Some walk away in agonizing defeat, while others down the champagne on podium and celebrate. NOTHING is better than race Sunday!


AB

 


     

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