The grid for the Grand Prix on Sunday will therefore not be determined by the usual qualifying session, but by the outcome of the shorter 21-lap sprint race to be held on Saturday. The starting grid for that sprint race is determined by the regular qualifying session, which is now held on Friday evening instead of Saturday.
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Compared to last season, the points distribution for the sprint race has changed. In 2021, the winner of a sprint race received three World Cup points, while the numbers two and three received two and one respectively. This year, that has been expanded: the winner of a sprint race now earns eight World Cup points. The number two gets seven, the third gets six.
Max Verstappen has had a difficult season so far. He retired in the opening race in Bahrain and in the final race in Australia. Both times he had to put his RB18 aside prematurely due to problems with the fuel supply. He did win the second race in Saudi Arabia. He is sixth in the championship standings 46 points behind Ferrari World Cup leader Charles Leclerc.
Program Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna
Friday April 22
- 13.30-14.30: first free practice
- 5pm-6pm: Qualifying
Saturday April 23
- 12.30-13.30: second free practice
- 4.30 pm : Sprint race
Sunday April 24
- 3 pm: Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna
Race calendar
World Cup standings