Formula 1 2022 guide: race calendar, standings, drivers and pre-season predictions

It’s all change for Formula 1 in 2022 following a radical overhaul of the technical regulations.

An all-new car will feature on the grid this season and it’s been designed specifically to promote better racing. The F1 2022 rule changes will also see new tire regulations, lower budget cap level and a return of the sprint qualifying.

Here we look at the race calendar and standings for the 2022 F1 season.

Ferrari’s one-two at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix means they top both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships after round one.

Drivers’ championship

Constructors’ championship

2

F1 2022 race calendar: GP dates, circuits and podiums

F1 bosses had previously announced a record 23-race schedule for the 2022 season. However, the Russian Grand Prix has been canceled and a replacement venue has yet to be confirmed.

The 2022 season started with the Bahrain Grand Prix on 20 March and there’s a new addition to the calendar, the Miami Grand Prix, in May. The British GP takes place on 3 July at Silverstone and the season finishes with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 20 November.

Bahrain Grand Prix

• Where: Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir
• When: 18-20 March 2022
• Podium: 1st Charles Leclerc (Ferrari); 2nd Carlos Sainz (Ferrari); 3rd Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

• Where: Jeddah Street Circuit, Jeddah
• When: 25-27 March 2022

Australian Grand Prix

• Where: Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit, Melbourne
• When: 8-10 April 2022

Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

• When: 22-24 April 2022
• Where: Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola, Italy

Miami Grand Prix

• When: 6-8 May 2022
• Where: Miami International Autodrome, Miami

Spanish Grand Prix

• When: 20-22 May 2022
• Where: Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona

Monaco Grand Prix

• When: 27-29 May 2022
• Where: Monte Carlo, Monaco

Azerbaijan Grand Prix

• When: 10-12 June 2022
• Where: Baku City Circuit, Baku

Canadian Grand Prix

• When: 17-19 June 2022
• Where: Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal

British Grand Prix

• When: 1-3 July 2022
• Where: Silverstone, England

Austrian Grand Prix

• When: 8-10 July 2022
• Where: Red Bull Ring, Spielberg

French Grand Prix

• When: 22-24 July 2022
• Where: Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet

Hungarian Grand Prix

• When: 29-31 July 2022
• Where: Hungaroring, Mogyorod

Belgian Grand Prix

• When: 26-28 August 2022
• Where: Spa Francorchamps, Francorchamps

Dutch Grand Prix

• When: 2-4 September 2022
• Where: Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort

Italian Grand Prix

• When: September 9-11, 2022
• Where: Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza

Singapore Grand Prix

• When: 30 September-2 October 2022
• Where: Marina Bay, Singapore

Japanese Grand Prix

• When: 7-9 October 2022
• Where: Suzuka Circuit, Ino, Suzuka City

United States Grand Prix

• When: 21-23 October 2022
• Where: Circuit of the Americas, Austin

Mexican Grand Prix

• When: 28-30 October 2022
• Where: Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City

Brazilian Grand Prix

• When: 11-13 November 2022
• Where: Interlagos, Sao Paulo

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

• When: 18-20 November 2022
• Where: Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi

3

The teams, drivers and cars

There may be a “technical revolution on the track”, said Sky Sports, but in terms of the drivers, just five of the grid’s 20 seats changed hands over the winter.

The “most significant” move is George Russell joining Lewis Hamilton to form an all-British partnership at Mercedes. After being replaced by Russell, Valtteri Bottas has joined Alfa Romeo and he will be partnered by Chinese driver Guanyu Zhou. Alex Albon returns to F1 as Russell’s replacement at Williams.

Russian driver Nikita Mazepin had his contract terminated by the Haas F1 Team. Kevin Magnussen returns to Haas on a multi-year deal and will partner Mick Schumacher.

4

Pre-season predictions: who will win the F1 title?

After the dramatic end to the 2021 season, Max Verstappen went into new campaign as the reigning world champion. Can the Red Bull driver retain his crown?

Although it’s going to be a “see-saw battle” between Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari, Verstappen “will be able to take the initiative and win his second title”, said SportsKeeda’s Charanjot Singh. He is also backing Ferrari to have a better car “that helps the team hold on to the top of the standings and win the constructors”.

Jenson Button, the former world champion, believes the two Mercedes drivers will battle it out for the title. “I have to say Mercedes [are favourites],” Button told Sky Sports. “I think Red Bull were strong last year, but throughout the season Mercedes got closer and closer and they overtook them on outright pace. We all know to beat Mercedes you have to be faster than them as they don’t make mistakes as a team. I think Mercedes and then it’s the fight between Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, which I really cannot wait for. Two Brits in Mercedes cars fighting for a world championship, hopefully.”

GPBlog.com has predicted the entire 2022 Formula 1 World Championship and “it’s worth noting how tough this was”. The site thinks Hamilton will “finally win his eight world title” to move clear of Michael Schumacher’s tally of drivers’ championships.

According to Oddschecker, as of 21 March, Verstappen is favorite to win the 2022 drivers’ championship ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Hamilton. The bookies have Ferrari as favorites for the constructors’ championship ahead of Red Bull and Mercedes.