When Formula 1 implemented Sprint Races for qualifying format in the 2021 season while an unstoppable and thrilling title fight was on its course, high commands of the category, enraptured by the successful idea of a change to the traditional weekend format at the pinnacle of motorsport then decided to double the number of Sprint events for the 2022 season.

Now, with Formula 1's 2022 pre-season taking shape and February kicking off with expectations running high, the plans for a repeat of last year's Silverstone, Monza and Interlagos were dampened during the winter break due to budget cap issues regarding some of the category's top teams point of view, as F1 aimed to hold six Sprint events on 2022 calendar, according to Zak Brown himself.

However, Sky Sports F1 explains that Ross Brawn and Co. are looking to reach an agreement with the championship teams to continue to push for the Sprint Qualifying Races format, offering now the same 2021's three events for the 2022 calendar year.

Teams, however, remain cautious. Apparently, without the approval of Mercedes, Red Bull, or Ferrari, nothing can go ahead, and these three have made clear their intention to get an extension for the cost cap to accept any Sprint Races deal. The remaining seven teams are allegedly happy with the proposals but F1 needs a minimum of eight out of ten thumbs up to give the green light for six Sprint Qualifying Races this year.

Formula 1 hopes to reach an agreement without raising the cost cap at the next F1 Commission on February 14th, always with the chance that ultimately no Sprint Races will take place in the 2022 championship, leaving aside what would hypothetically have taken place at tracks such as Bahrain, Imola, Montreal, Austria, Zandvoort and Interlagos.

The link between the Sprint races and the cost cap is due to the potential for incidents at the Saturday event and would therefore mean possible expenses on repairs that would normally be used for team upgrades.

With the introduction of the new format last year, the teams were accommodated with a small cost overrun as a result of the Sprint Qualifying, however, the same situation does not please the teams equally now, and F1 is waiting to see whether the Sprint Races continue their controversial path through motorsport's pinnacle category or an agreement is reached to postpone it to 2023. We'll see.