A significant revision to Formula 1’s points distribution system is on the table, aimed at extending benefits to midfield teams. Under the proposed changes, points would be awarded down to the 12th place, enhancing the potential for smaller teams to remain competitive in the constructors’ championship.
In an upcoming F1 Commission meeting scheduled to take place next week in Geneva, stakeholders of Formula 1 are poised to deliberate on a pivotal adjustment to the sport’s scoring system, according to a report from Autosport. This meeting, which will engage participants both in-person and via video conference, is set to foreground a proposal that seeks to widen the points distribution to the top 12 finishers—an increase from the current limitation to the top 10.
The intent behind these modifications is clear: to offer a more substantial opportunity for midfield teams to score points consistently. Currently, points are allocated to the Top 10 drivers in the following format: First place earns 25 points, second 18 points, third 15, fourth 12, fifth 10, sixth 8, seventh 6, eighth 4, ninth 2, and tenth 1, with an additional point awarded to the driver with the fastest lap so long as they finish in the Top 10.
The new allocation proposed would follow the same points for the Top 7 but the eighth-place finisher receive 5 points, up from 4, with subsequent placings down to twelfth also seeing incremental increases. Specifically, ninth would now bring 4 points, tenth 3 points, eleventh 2 points, and twelfth 1 point. Additionally, an amendment to the fastest lap bonus would now see it awarded to any driver within the top 12.
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The rationale for this adjustment is primarily driven by the smaller teams in the paddock who have faced challenges breaking into the points due to the current concentration of power among the leading teams. Such a change would not only potentially level the playing field but also stimulate tighter competition throughout the season. It could prove beneficial for teams like Alpine, Williams, and Sauber, who have struggled to make a substantive mark in the points standings in the initial races of the season.
The wider distribution of points is seen as a way to reward more consistent performance across the teams, rather than sporadic high finishes which may not adequately reflect a team’s overall capability and effort throughout the season. This shift is seen as a strategic move to enhance the visibility and competitiveness of smaller teams, which could in turn improve their attractiveness to sponsors and fans alike.
It is reported that these changes, if approved, could come in as early as the 2025 season.
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