During the Chinese Grand Prix, there have been reports suggesting that the current points system in Formula 1, which only awards points to the top ten finishers, may undergo some changes. Motorsport.com has revealed this information, and it is further speculated that the topic will be discussed and voted on at the upcoming Formula 1 Commission meeting, which includes the F1 teams, the FIA (the sport’s governing body), and Formula One Management (FOM).
Currently, the F1 grid can be divided into two categories: the top five teams consisting of Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes, and Aston Martin, and the bottom five teams consisting of Haas, Alpine, Williams, VCARB, and Sauber. The teams in the lower part of the grid are eager to have points awarded to the top 12 finishers to ensure that their efforts are not in vain.
At present, none of the bottom-five teams have a realistic chance of scoring points unless one of the top five teams encounters difficulties during a race weekend. The current points system awards points to the top ten race finishers as follows: 25 – 18 – 15 – 12 – 10 – 8 – 6 – 4 – 2 – 1. However, the proposed new system will maintain the points for the top seven finishers, and the points distribution will be as follows: 25 – 18 – 15 – 12 – 10 – 8 – 6 – 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1.
For the new points system to be implemented in 2025, it requires a simple majority vote in the F1 Commission, along with the approval of the FIA and FOM. This means that at least five out of the ten teams must vote in favor of the change for it to be adopted.
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur, who previously managed Alfa Romeo (now Sauber), understands the challenges faced by the midfield teams. He stated, “I’m not against it. And coming from Alfa Romeo, I perfectly understand sometimes the frustration of having a great weekend, but if there is no retirement in front of you, then you finish in 11th place, and the reward is zero.” Vasseur emphasizes the need for a change to address this frustration.
Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull, remains undecided on the matter. He believes that Formula 1 is currently divided into two groups, with teams from six to ten facing equally tough competition as teams from one to five. Horner suggests that a thorough analysis of the potential impact of the new points system is necessary before making a decision.
Ayao Komatsu, the team principal of Haas, who took over from Guenther Steiner at the start of the 2024 season, stands to benefit from the proposed changes. He questions, “What’s the downside?” Komatsu highlights that three teams currently have zero points, which he believes is not favorable for the sport. He argues that awarding points for 11th and 12th place would result in fewer teams with zero points, providing clearer motivation for everyone involved.
Laurent Mekies, the team principal of VCARB, which is owned by Red Bull, expresses support for the change. He asserts that there are no longer any back-markers in Formula 1, with six original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Red Bull Racing forming the top teams. Mekies believes that even the bottom five teams are now significant organizations. He argues that it is difficult to justify battling for 11th place, which currently grants zero points. Mekies believes that a points system that extends to 12th place is more meritocratic and prevents situations where unexpected results in the rain allow some teams to stay home for multiple races. He concludes by stating that the proposed change satisfies all requirements with minimal drawbacks, and he hopes it will be approved.