Formula 1 stakeholders must consider whether a more drastic revision of the points system, such as awarding points to all drivers who finish the race, is the most effective long-term solution before implementing a rule change. During the latest meeting of the F1 Commission, there was a discussion regarding a proposal to alter how championship points are allocated. Since 2010, F1 has utilized a system that awards 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1 points to the top 10 finishers. A suggestion was put forth to extend this system to the top 12, with the points for the top seven remaining the same and points being distributed from 8th to 12th place on a scale of 6-5-4-3-2-1. The argument behind this proposal is that it would provide better rewards for midfield teams, considering the improved reliability and overall strength of the grid. While further analysis of the proposed changes is required, it remains unclear whether expanding to the top 12 is the optimal solution or if a more extreme approach would be more suitable. One possibility is awarding points to all cars or finishers, which has been tentatively suggested, as it would ensure that every position holds significance. McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown acknowledges that such a change would require a significant overhaul but believes that it would increase the importance of every pass made during the race. He argues that it eliminates the strategy of some cars conserving their resources when they are out of the points, and emphasizes that every pass counts, even for the quickest cars that find themselves at the back of the grid. Brown suggests that there is a valid argument for implementing this system for the entire grid, but at the very least, extending it to the top 12 is worth considering. The proposal that will be presented to the Commission in July needs to be a permanent solution that F1 can rely on in the long run. This requires a thorough understanding of not only the arguments for and against different points distributions but also the potential consequences of such changes. For instance, if points were awarded to the top 15 or all finishers, adjustments would need to be made to the entire points range. The gaps between the leading positions would either shrink while still awarding 25 points for a win, or the number of points for a win would need to increase. If a points system change is implemented for the grand prix itself, the sprint format with points for the top eight finishers would remain unaffected. It is crucial to carefully consider these proposals, especially if a more radical suggestion emerges, as F1 has experienced unintended consequences in the past when rule changes were hastily implemented. Additionally, it would be unfavorable if a points system change were approved only to be reconsidered in a few years. Aston Martin team boss Mike Krack emphasizes that any change should not be specific to the current circumstances, as the demands of the competitive situation may change in the future. Any alteration to the points system must be agreed upon based on objective improvements and fairness, rather than as a means to rescue struggling teams. This becomes particularly significant as F1 moves into the cost-cap era and teams strive for greater equality. However, the arguments of making each position more valuable and engaging fans in battles throughout the field remain valid regardless of F1’s competitive landscape. Awarding points to all finishers fulfills these criteria, but it presents a more complex proposal to develop compared to simply extending the system to the top 12. Therefore, despite the absence of real opposition in principle, an impasse currently exists.
Max Verstappen has surpassed Lewis Hamilton once again following his victory at the Emilia Romagna GP. These two drivers have been the most prominent figures in Formula 1...
Read more