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Formula 1 teams, along with the FIA and Formula One Management (FOM), are planning to hold discussions on a modified points system that will distribute points to the top 12 finishers. According to a report from Motorsport.com, talks were held last week to explore the possibility of changing the way points are awarded, and the F1 Commission is scheduled to further deliberate on the matter. The proposed change aims to provide more opportunities to score points by expanding the number of positions from which points can be earned, increasing from 10 to 12. This alteration is being considered due to the significant performance gap between the top five teams (Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes, and Aston Martin) and the bottom five teams (RB, Haas, Williams, Alpine, and Sauber). In the absence of exceptional performances or retirements, the top five teams, based solely on their pace, can monopolize the top 10 positions that yield points, as was evident in the season opener in Bahrain. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner acknowledged the current divide in Formula 1, stating that there seems to be two distinct groups within the sport, with teams ranked sixth to 10th involved in a fierce battle similar to teams ranked one to five. However, under exceptional circumstances, such as Lance Stroll’s mistake during a Safety Car restart in Shanghai, a points-scoring position becomes available for the bottom five teams to compete for. In the Chinese Grand Prix, this opportunity was seized by Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg, who expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating that they had to deliver a flawless qualifying session on Saturday and a flawless race on Sunday to secure their current position. Hulkenberg emphasized the importance of earning a single point, as it holds considerable value for his team. After the first five races of the season, Red Bull currently sits in sixth place with seven points, trailing Aston Martin in fifth place by a margin of 33 points. Three teams, Williams, Alpine, and Sauber, have yet to score points. The proposed new points system will follow a sliding scale, with the first-place finisher receiving 25 points, followed by 18, 15, 12, and so on, until the 12th-place finisher receives one point. This is different from the existing points distribution system, which is as follows: 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1.
This is a significant change from the previous scoring system used in previous seasons. From 2003 to 2009, only the top eight drivers received points in races, which was later extended to include the top six.
The proposed system for 2025 aims to award points to more than half of the grid. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur supports this change but acknowledges the need for careful consideration.
“I’m not against it,” Vasseur told Motorsport.com.
“Having worked with Alfa Romeo, I understand the frustration of having a great weekend but finishing P11 with no reward if there are no retirements ahead of you.
“If you finish P11 or P20, it makes no difference, and I understand the frustration. However, if you implement this system and next year there are six teams ahead of you, the same frustration will apply to P13. We need to be cautious, but I’m not against it.”
Red Bull has been one of the most successful midfield teams in terms of scoring when given the opportunity. Yuki Tsunoda finished seventh in Australia and tenth in Japan, earning a total of seven points for the team so far.
Team principal Laurent Mekkies understandably supports the proposed new points system.
“There are no more backmarker drivers,” he stated.
“In Formula 1, there are now six original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), in addition to Red Bull Racing, totaling seven top teams.”
Mekkies argued that even the bottom five teams are now major organizations, and this number will increase to seven in 2026 with the arrival of Audi.
“It’s hard to explain to the outside world, our partners, and our fans that we are fighting for P11, which actually doesn’t award points,” he continued.
“We also believe that this system is more meritocratic, because if points are awarded up to P12, it avoids situations where a surprising result, like a P5 or P4 in the rain, allows some teams to skip ten races.”
The Haas team boss, Ayoa Komatsu, raised the question: “What are the disadvantages?”
“Currently, we have three teams with zero points, and I don’t think that’s beneficial for the sport.”
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Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton recently made headlines for his controversial statements about racial equality in the sport. In an exclusive interview, Hamilton discussed his ongoing struggle to combat racism and promote diversity in Formula 1.
Hamilton, who is the first black driver in Formula 1 history, has been an active advocate for black rights and has used his platform to raise important issues. He spoke about the importance of having more diversity in Formula 1 and how it can inspire and positively impact young people around the world.
During the interview, Hamilton also shared his personal experiences of racism and discrimination, highlighting the need for change and immediate action. He emphasized that it’s not enough to just talk about equality, but concrete steps need to be taken to promote inclusion and diversity.
Hamilton also discussed his hopes for the future of the sport and the need for systemic change. He believes that Formula 1 can be a positive example for other sports and industries, encouraging equality and diversity at all levels.
At the end of the interview, Hamilton encouraged other drivers and members of the Formula 1 community to join him in this fight for equality. He stressed that everyone has a responsibility to create an inclusive environment and that diversity is a strength that can drive both sports and society as a whole.
As Formula 1 continues to evolve, it is essential that the leaders of the sport address issues of equality and diversity in a meaningful way. Hamilton is leading the way and inspiring others to join him on this journey towards a more inclusive and equal future for Formula 1 and beyond.
