There are plans to make adjustments to the F1 points-scoring system in preparation for F1 2025.
The proposal to increase the number of points-scoring positions, currently postponed, has the support of the F1 team bosses.
The proposal to expand the number of points-scoring positions for all race finishers is currently being discussed. However, the final verdict on this matter has been deferred until the upcoming F1 Commission meeting in July.
What are the proposed points-scoring changes?
Currently, in a Grand Prix, the top 10 participants earn points – with the winner of the race receiving 25 points, and the driver who finishes in 10th place receiving one point.
The existing system has been in place since 2010, where the previous system granted rewards to drivers up to the eighth position and only allocated 10 points to the winner of the race.
However, there is serious consideration being given to implementing a system where points are awarded to all classified finishers in a race. This proposal was discussed at last month’s F1 Commission meeting but was postponed to allow for a thorough evaluation of the possible consequences of this change.
Regardless of the competitiveness of their respective teams, numerous F1 team bosses have expressed their support for the idea, sharing their opinions on the topic.
During the team bosses’ press conference in Miami, Laurent Mekies from RB, a team that cannot assure points in any race weekend, voiced his backing for the concept.
“We think it’s a good idea to increase the points distribution, mainly because there are no back markers anymore,” he said.
“We have 10 very strong teams. This year is a good example. We have a fantastic fight also in the second part of the grid, 10 cars fighting within one-tenth, two-tenths. And, you know, our pole position is P11 currently.
“Our win is P11. If nothing happened at the front, and the reliability of the guys at the front has been… extraordinary. So we think it’s a fantastic fight. We want to explain it to the fans.
“We want to explain it to our partners and we think that points will help to give value to that P11, which today for us is a victory. So for sure, we are supportive of an extension of the point system. Then know whether you go to P12, to P14, to whatever, we can discuss, but I think where the level of competitiveness of the teams is so high nowadays that the fight in the midfield, the fight at the back will also deserve some points.”
Mike Krack believes that it is time to overhaul the system in order to open up more opportunities for teams to score points and motivate them to continue fighting for every position until the race ends.
“I think the system needs to be looked at. We have a new fan base also,” he said.
“We are not anymore the purists that we were for these many years. So I think it is really time to have a look at this.
“Personally, I think there always needs to be something to fight for, wherever you are. A bit like Laurent mentioned, we should obviously not be too much influenced by how it is this year, because next year can be different than the year after.
“But I think it was a good consensus in the F1 Commission to say we want to make an adjustment, but we should not rush it, because we don’t want to change it again later. So I think it’s important that we have a good thought about it, and then we discuss some different proposals next time.”
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Fred Vasseur of Ferrari expressed his lack of opposition towards the change, however, he believes that if the points system is extended only up to 12th place, as proposed by others, it would only result in the same argument being made at a later position.
“After the Chinese Grand Prix, Vasseur explained that having come from Alfa Romeo, he fully understands the frustration that arises when you have a fantastic weekend but end up finishing in P11, with no DNF ahead of you.”
“I comprehend the frustration of receiving zero reward, as it makes no difference whether you complete P11 or P20.”
“If you make this change now and find yourself with six teams ahead next year, you might argue that it’s the same for P13, but we must remain cautious. However, I don’t necessarily oppose it.”
James Vowles, the team boss of Williams, is eagerly hoping for a revision in the points system as his team, along with one other, has yet to secure any points in F1 2024. He emphasizes that the crucial aspect to consider is determining the position in the field from which points should start being awarded.
“I think changing the points is sensible,” he said.
“There were just questions over where do we go? Is it P12, P14, P16? All cars, fundamentally.
“In terms of tuning it at the front, I think my conclusion from that is Verstappen won by winning the most races. It doesn’t matter what you do.
“It was a very good conversation at the F1 Commission around this where the room was pretty much united in let’s do something that’s good for the sport. However, let’s take our time to get it right and do it once.”
McLaren CEO Zak Brown fully supports the viewpoints expressed by his colleagues, acknowledging the potential impact of the change on racing teams.
“I think increasing that will just create more excitement throughout the whole field. So we’re supportive of more teams getting more points,” he said.
“I think there could be an argument made for all. That would obviously be quite an overhaul.
“But I think as soon as points come into play, it makes every pass that much more important. Sometimes cars will pull in, save some stuff on their car, wear and tear, because they’re out of the points. That would eliminate that.
“If a quicker car gets shuffled to the back, every pass counts. So I think there’s an argument you could make for the entire grid. Certainly no less than 12. But I think as James mentioned, we need to change it once and that’s what we agreed at the FIA Commission, let’s do a review and I think all the teams were in the same spot, that expanding the points is a good thing to do. “
In addition to significantly influencing the all-time points-scoring lists which already heavily favor modern-day drivers, the change would also lead to a substantial financial boost for the FIA.
If teams achieve higher points scores in the previous year, their annual team entry fees will increase, as they are calculated based on a fixed dollar amount per point. However, the governing body has the authority to lower the set dollar amount to mitigate this increase.
Christian Horner, the head of Red Bull, subtly suggested that his team’s stance on the matter could solely be influenced by this factor.
He expressed his ambivalence towards it, stating that it is highly competitive.
Currently, there seems to be a division in Formula 1 between two groups. The teams ranked from P6 to P10 are engaged in an equally challenging battle as those placed from P1 to P5.
“I believe it is one of those situations where you need to evaluate the data and analyze the statistics to understand the potential impact. Therefore, I have no bias towards it. However, if there is a financial incentive involved, my perspective may change.”
For a similar reason as the teams, drivers would also experience increased super licence costs, but separately.
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