Alexander Albon of Williams Racing FW46 competed in the Formula 1 World Championship, specifically the Miami Grand Prix in Miami, Florida, USA, on May 5, 2024.
The topic of discussion in Formula 1 currently revolves around the idea of increasing the number of points awarded to drivers. This proposal was initially brought up in Shanghai, China, and later discussed by the F1 Commission. The decision on whether to implement this change has been postponed until later this year.
The issue at hand stems from differing opinions among Formula 1 enthusiasts. Some traditionalists prefer the old days when only a few drivers received points, while others believe that with the current reliability of cars, more drivers should be rewarded. This debate has gained momentum in 2024.
In the past, the limited number of points awarded was due to the frequent technical failures of cars. However, with advancements in technology, these issues have become less common, especially among the top teams. As a result, the top five teams, including Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes, and Aston Martin, consistently secure the top-10 positions, leaving little room for other drivers to earn points.
After six rounds of the championship, Williams and Sauber are the only teams yet to achieve a top-10 result. Alpine managed to secure a point in Miami thanks to Esteban Ocon’s strong defense during a mid-race Safety Car period. However, several drivers, including Pierre Gasly, have yet to score any points.
Critics argue that with the field being so competitive, limiting points to only the top 10 drivers seems unfair and irrelevant. Sponsors and new commercial partners may not see the value in supporting teams fighting for positions outside the top 10.
In support of increasing the points distribution, Mekies stated that the current level of competitiveness among teams warrants recognition for drivers finishing outside the top 10. He believes that explaining this to fans and partners will help give value to positions beyond 10th place.
Krack also supports reevaluating the points system, acknowledging the changing fan base and the need for drivers to have something to fight for, regardless of their position. However, he emphasizes the importance of carefully considering any changes to avoid constant adjustments in the future.
The F1 Commission, consisting of representatives from FIA, F1, and the teams, aims to find the right solution for a new points system. There is a consensus among them to make adjustments, but they want to take their time and ensure they make the right decision.
While some suggest awarding points to all finishers, others, like Brown, believe that increasing the number of teams receiving points will create more excitement throughout the field. However, not everyone agrees with this idea.
As a fan, I am torn between the desire to narrow the gap between first and second place and the recognition that expanding points could be beneficial given the competitiveness of the field in recent years. The question remains: how far should these changes go?