SHANGHAI, CHINA – APRIL 21: Max Verstappen, from the Netherlands, pilots the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 and leads the pack at the start of the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit on April 21, 2024 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
During the Chinese Grand Prix, reports emerged suggesting that the current points system in Formula 1, which awards points only to the top ten finishers, may undergo some changes. Motorsport.com revealed this information and it is also speculated that the matter will be discussed and voted on at the next Formula 1 Commission meeting, which includes Formula 1 teams, the FIA (sport’s governing body), and Formula One Management (FOM).
Currently, the Formula 1 grid can be divided into two categories: the top five teams, Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes, and Aston Martin, and the remaining five teams, Haas, Alpine, Williams, VCARB, and Sauber. Teams at the bottom of the grid are eager for points to be awarded to the top 12 finishers to ensure that their efforts are not in vain.
Currently, 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 finishers in the race as follows: 25 – 18 – 15 – 12 – 10 – 8 – 6 – 4 – 2 – 1. However, the proposed new system will keep 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.
In order for the new points system to be implemented in 2025, a simple majority vote in the Formula 1 Commission, along with approval from the FIA and FOM, is required. This means that at least five out of the ten teams must vote in favor of the change for it to be adopted.
The Ferrari boss, Fred Vasseur, who previously managed Alfa Romeo (now Sauber), understands the challenges faced by mid-field teams. He stated: “I am not against it. Coming from Alfa Romeo, I perfectly understand the frustration of having a great weekend, but if retirement is not in front of you, you finish in 11th place and the reward is zero.” Vasseur emphasizes the need for a change to address this frustration.
Christian Horner, the Red Bull team principal, has not yet decided on the matter. He believes that Formula 1 is currently divided into two groups, with teams from sixth to tenth facing competition as tough as those from first to fifth. Horner suggests that a detailed analysis of the potential impact of the new points system is needed before making a decision.
Ayao Komatsu, the Haas team principal, who took over from Guenther Steiner at the beginning of the 2024 season, will benefit from the proposed changes. He questions: “What is 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 places would result in fewer teams with zero points, providing clearer motivation for all involved.
Laurent Mekies, head of the VCARB team, owned by Red Bull, expresses support for the change. He states that there are no longer backmarker teams in Formula 1, with six original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Red Bull Racing forming the leading teams. Mekies believes that even the bottom five teams are now significant organizations. He argues that it is difficult to justify fighting for 11th place, which currently does not award points. Mekies believes that a points system extending to 12th place is more meritocratic and avoids situations where unexpected results in the rain allow some teams to stay home for several races. He concludes by stating that the proposed change meets all requirements with few drawbacks, and he hopes it will be approved.
© 2024
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