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F1 Scraps Fastest Lap Bonus Point for 2025: Here’s Why the Rule Change Matters

Miguel Cunha by Miguel Cunha
February 13, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Red Bull Concedes McLaren’s 2024 Resurgence Sets a Tough Benchmark for 2025

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DECEMBER 08: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on December 08, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Joe Portlock/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202412080275 // Usage for editorial use only //

Formula 1 has officially axed the fastest lap bonus point for 2025, reverting to the points system used from 2010 to 2018. But why did the FIA make this change—and how will it impact race strategy?

For the past six seasons, F1 rewarded one extra point to any driver inside the top 10 who set the fastest lap during a Grand Prix. But starting in 2025, that bonus is gone.

Why Did F1 Remove the Fastest Lap Point?

The bonus point for fastest lap was introduced in 2019 as a way to increase late-race excitement, giving drivers an extra incentive to push until the end.

However, in practice, the rule didn’t always work as intended.

According to Formula 1’s official statement, the decision was made because:

“Sometimes that meant drivers would still be pushing late on trying to take the accolade, or even make late pit stops for fresh rubber to increase their return.”

Instead of rewarding genuine race pace, the rule often benefited drivers who:
✅ Had a comfortable lead (making an easy late stop)
✅ Ran outside the top 10, only to pit for fresh tires and steal the point from a rival
✅ Were strategically used by teams to take a point away from championship competitors

A prime example? The 2023 Singapore Grand Prix, where Daniel Ricciardo (RB) swooped in to deny Lando Norris a bonus point, ultimately aiding Max Verstappen’s title bid.

This incident frustrated McLaren CEO Zak Brown, who criticized Red Bull’s use of its sister team:

“That’s a nice A/B team sporting thing that I didn’t think was allowed,” Brown told SiriusXM.
“But hey, that’s not the first time we’ve seen it, probably won’t be the last.”

Drivers Back the Decision: “A Pointless Point”

The reaction from the F1 paddock has been largely positive, with many drivers believing the rule added little value.

Mercedes’ George Russell didn’t mince words:

“I always thought the point for fastest lap was a bit pointless.”
“It would always be the driver who was having a tough race in the top-10 who would put new tyres on and gain the extra point.”

For many teams, the fastest lap point became more of a strategic loophole than a genuine test of race pace.

What’s Changing in 2025? A Return to Classic F1 Points

With the bonus point removed, F1 will fully revert to the points system used between 2010 and 2018:

🏆 1st place – 25 points
🥈 2nd place – 18 points
🥉 3rd place – 15 points
🏁 4th to 10th place – 12-1 points respectively

While F1 has abandoned the fastest lap bonus, the rule will still be used in junior series like Formula 2 and Formula 3.

How Will This Change Impact F1 Racing?

  • Fewer late-race pit stops from front-runners looking for an extra point
  • No more strategic team maneuvers to deny rivals a championship advantage
  • Tighter battles in the midfield, as drivers fight for every available point

With Formula 1 entering one of its most competitive seasons yet, every point will matter—and the fastest lap point is now a thing of the past.

Was this the right move by the FIA? Or will F1 regret scrapping a rule meant to add excitement?

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