Anticipation is soaring as Formula 1 has officially unveiled its most ambitious and extensive schedule to date for the upcoming 2022 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. This record-breaking calendar promises an exhilarating season filled with new circuits, returning classics, and unprecedented global reach, signaling a robust and expanding era for the pinnacle of motorsport.

Explore the Miami International Autodrome, a new addition to the F1 calendar.

Formula 1 Unveils Record-Breaking 2022 Calendar: A Global Spectacle Awaits

The 2022 F1 season, meticulously approved by the FIA World Motor Sport Council, is set to feature an astounding 23 races. This figure not only surpasses but emphatically breaks the previous record of 22 rounds established by the preceding year’s schedule, underscoring Formula 1’s relentless drive for growth and engagement with its global fanbase.

An Unprecedented Marathon: 23 Races in 36 Weekends

The sheer scale of the 2022 Formula 1 calendar presents a formidable challenge and an incredible spectacle. Squeezing 23 high-stakes races into just 36 weekends signifies an intense logistical undertaking for teams, drivers, and support staff alike. This demanding schedule, stretching across eight months, reflects the booming global interest in Formula 1 and its strategic expansion into key markets. Fans can look forward to a relentless pace of action, offering more opportunities than ever before to witness the thrilling competition of the world’s fastest motorsport.

This expansion is a testament to Formula 1’s growing commercial appeal and its ability to attract prestigious host cities and nations eager to showcase the sport’s excitement. The condensed timeframe between races will test the endurance and adaptability of every team, pushing technological boundaries and human spirit to their limits.

From the Sands of Bahrain to the Lights of Abu Dhabi: The Season’s Bookends

The 2022 championship will ignite its engines for the fourth time in its history at the challenging Bahrain International Circuit on March 20th. This desert race has consistently provided a thrilling curtain-raiser to the season, known for its strategic nuances and night racing spectacle under powerful floodlights. As a popular and modern venue, Bahrain offers an ideal launchpad for what promises to be an epic year.

Exactly eight months later, the championship will reach its dramatic conclusion at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Since 2014, Abu Dhabi has held the coveted position of the season finale host, often witnessing the crowning of world champions in spectacular fashion. The November 20th date marks the earliest conclusion to an F1 season since 2010, a strategic scheduling choice to ensure the championship concludes one day before the highly anticipated first match of the FIFA football World Cup. This thoughtful calendar placement avoids direct competition with another major global sporting event, allowing both F1 and football fans to fully immerse themselves in their respective passions without conflict.

Strategic Absences and Future Returns: Qatar’s Brief Pause

The scheduling decision surrounding the FIFA World Cup also explains the temporary absence of Qatar from the 2022 F1 calendar. Following its exciting debut in 2021, Qatar, the host nation for the football tournament, will take a brief hiatus from Formula 1. However, fans eager to see F1 cars grace the Losail International Circuit again need not worry, as Qatar is firmly slated to return to the Formula 1 schedule in 2023, promising more thrilling action in the Middle East.

Expanding Horizons: Formula 1’s Dual US Presence

One of the most significant highlights of the 2022 calendar is the return of two Formula 1 races to the United States for the first time since 1984. This marks a pivotal moment in F1’s strategy to deepen its roots and grow its fanbase in the crucial North American market. Leading this charge is the highly anticipated street race in Miami, a venue confirmed in April after years of persistent efforts to bring the sport to the vibrant Florida city. The Miami Grand Prix is set to take place in May, promising a unique blend of high-speed racing and the city’s renowned glamour and entertainment.

Joining this exciting newcomer is the established and much-loved race at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Texas. The 2022 event will be particularly special as it marks COTA’s 10th anniversary on the Formula 1 calendar. Known for its challenging and undulating layout, COTA has consistently delivered thrilling races and proven to be a fan favorite. The combination of the glitzy new Miami street circuit and the well-loved purpose-built track in Texas provides a diverse and captivating offering for American motorsport enthusiasts, reflecting F1’s commitment to engaging with this burgeoning audience.

European Strongholds: Italy’s Double Header and Returning Classics

Europe, the traditional heartland of Formula 1, continues to play a vital role in the 2022 season. Italy, in particular, will enjoy a unique position, hosting two Grand Prix events. This special arrangement comes as the Chinese Grand Prix has regrettably been struck from the calendar for the third consecutive year due to the ongoing global Covid-19 pandemic and associated travel restrictions. Consequently, the historic Imola circuit will make another welcome return to the schedule in April for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, cementing its place as a popular fixture in the early part of the season. Meanwhile, the legendary Monza circuit will continue its tradition of hosting the iconic Italian Grand Prix, a high-speed festival of motorsport cherished by fans worldwide.

Beyond Italy, other European circuits that have been fixtures on the calendar will retain their prominent positions. Circuits like Spain’s Circuit de Catalunya, the iconic Monaco street circuit, Silverstone in Britain, the Red Bull Ring in Austria, Paul Ricard in France, the Hungaroring in Hungary, Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, and Zandvoort in the Netherlands ensure a strong European presence, blending speed, heritage, and passionate crowds.

Global Comebacks: Asia and Oceania Rejoin the Fray

The 2022 Formula 1 calendar also marks the highly anticipated return of several beloved international venues that have been absent since 2019 due to the severe impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. These comebacks are a strong indicator of improving global conditions and Formula 1’s determination to reclaim its worldwide footprint. Fans will be thrilled to see F1 cars once again race through the vibrant streets of Melbourne, Australia, at Albert Park. The Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, known for its challenging layout and enthusiastic crowd, is also back. Asia will celebrate the return of the technically demanding Suzuka circuit in Japan and the spectacular night race at Singapore’s Marina Bay street circuit, both providing unique challenges and unforgettable racing experiences. These returns are not just about racing; they symbolize a step towards normalcy and the rekindling of F1’s rich global tapestry.

The Evolving Landscape: Venues Not Returning

While the calendar welcomes back many favorites, it also sees the departure of circuits that stepped up to host races during the unprecedented conditions of the past two pandemic-affected seasons. The Autodromo do Algarve in Portugal and Istanbul Park in Turkey, both of which provided memorable races and vital support to the championship during challenging times, will not be featured on the 2022 schedule. Their temporary absence underscores the return of the more established and long-term contracted venues, highlighting the competitive nature of securing a spot on the coveted Formula 1 calendar.

The Business of F1: Contracts, Approvals, and Future Visions

Behind the excitement of the race announcements lie the complex negotiations and approval processes that underpin the Formula 1 calendar. F1 has indicated that the inclusion of races at Imola, the Circuit de Catalunya, Singapore, and the Circuit of the Americas remains subject to the finalization of new contracts for these events. Additionally, the highly anticipated Miami race is pending the official approval of its brand-new circuit by the FIA, ensuring it meets all stringent safety and operational standards.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali encapsulated the sentiment surrounding the new calendar, stating, “We are very pleased with the interest in Formula 1 from places that want to host races and the growth of the sport, and believe we have a fantastic calendar for 2022 with destinations like Miami joining famous and historic venues.” Domenicali also stressed the sport’s continued commitment to safety and health: “The pandemic is still with us, and we will therefore continue to be vigilant and safe – to protect all our personnel and the communities we visit.” His comments highlight Formula 1’s dual focus: expanding its global footprint while remaining acutely aware of prevailing global health challenges and ensuring the well-being of everyone involved.

The Complete 2022 FIA Formula 1 World Championship Calendar

Date	Country	Circuit
20 March	Bahrain	Bahrain International Circuit
27 March	Saudi Arabia	Jeddah Corniche Circuit
10 April	Australia	Albert Park
24 April	Italy (‘Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix’)	Imola
8 May	USA (‘Miami Grand Prix’)	Miami International Autodrome
22 May	Spain	Circuit de Catalunya
29 May	Monaco	Monaco
12 June	Azerbaijan	Baku City Circuit
19 June	Canada	Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
3 July	Britain	Silverstone
10 July	Austria	Red Bull Ring
24 July	France	Paul Ricard
31 July	Hungary	Hungaroring
28 August	Belgium	Spa-Francorchamps
4 September	Netherlands	Zandvoort
11 September	Italy	Monza
25 September	Russia	Sochi Autodrom
2 October	Singapore	Singapore
9 October	Japan	Suzuka
23 October	USA	Circuit of the Americas
30 October	Mexico	Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
13 November	Brazil	Interlagos
20 November	United Arab Emirates (‘Abu Dhabi Grand Prix’)	Yas Marina

Conclusion: A Thrilling Season on the Horizon

The 2022 Formula 1 calendar is an ambitious and exciting declaration of intent from the sport. With a record 23 races, a strategic blend of historic circuits and thrilling new venues like Miami, and the welcome return of fan-favorite global destinations, the upcoming season promises unparalleled action and drama. It’s a clear signal of Formula 1’s vibrant health and its commitment to delivering maximum entertainment to its ever-growing global audience, all while navigating the ongoing complexities of the world. Fans can eagerly anticipate a truly unforgettable year of racing.

Imola Joins F1 2022 Calendar as China Drops Out, 23 Races Confirmed