The Exciting World Of Formula One Points Allocation

03-14-2024

In an F1 Grand Prix, both drivers and teams accumulate points towards their championship score. The championship comprises separate competitions for Formula 1 drivers and teams, also known as constructors. Points are earned by drivers finishing in the top 10, contributing to both individual and team scores. The championship title is awarded to the driver and team with the highest total points at the season's end. In case of a tie, the number of wins throughout the season determines the rankings.

Drivers secure points by finishing within the top 10, and if they change teams mid-season, their individual points remain with them while their former team retains the points scored during their tenure. For example, Max Verstappen transitioned from Toro Rosso to Red Bull during the 2016 season, carrying over his personal points to his new team. Each team fields two cars, both eligible to score points, with a maximum of 44 points per race. A rule change in 2019 introduced an additional bonus point for the driver with the fastest lap if they also finish within the top 10.

Grand Prix Points

Sprint Races Points System

Sprint races were introduced on Saturdays at three events in the 2021 F1 season. Initially, the sprint race results were the qualifying rounds and determined the grid for the subsequent day's grand prix, with limited points awarded to the top three finishers. This system was revised in 2022 to offer higher points, with sprint winners earning eight points, decreasing to one point for eighth place.

Shortened Grand Prix

In the event of shortened grands prix, such as the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix affected by adverse weather conditions, adjustments to the points system were made. If less than 75% of the scheduled race distance is completed, half points are awarded, provided at least two laps are completed under green flag conditions. Additionally, if the leader completes more than two laps but less than 25% of the race distance, the top five finishers receive points according to a specific allocation.

If the leader completes more than 25% but less than 50% of the scheduled distance, reduced points will be allocated to the top nine finishers.

Likewise, if the leader reaches at least 50% but less than 75% of the planned distance, reduced points will be distributed to the top 10.

Races that cover at least 75% of the scheduled distance will award full points to the top 10 competitors.

Historical Points System

Historically, the Formula 1 points system has evolved significantly since its inaugural season in 1950. Initially, only eight points were available for the race winner, with scoring limited to the top five finishers.

During this period, an additional point was granted to the driver who recorded the fastest lap, irrespective of their final position. However, this fastest lap point was discontinued in 1959, only to be reinstated six decades later. In 1961, the points system underwent another revision, with points now being awarded to the top six finishers, with nine points going to the winner. This points system remained in place for the longest duration in grand prix racing, enduring until 1990. Notably, only a specific number of results counted towards a driver's championship total during this time.

F1 discontinued the dropped results system (1950-1990)

Due to the prevailing unreliability and widespread occurrence of drivers missing races, a dropped results system was implemented for the inaugural world championship in 1950. Under this system, only a driver's best finishes would contribute towards their championship tally, a practice that endured until 1990. For instance, in the 1950 season, Luigi Fagioli amassed 28 points across seven rounds; however, only his top four results were considered, resulting in him finishing third in the standings with 24 points. The number of results that factored into a driver's final score fluctuated over the years as the seasons extended. Interestingly, on at least two occasions, the championship winner garnered fewer total points than the runner-up due to this system.

One notable instance occurred in the 1964 season when Graham Hill accumulated the most points, but only his top six results counted towards the championship. Consequently, he had to discard his fifth-place finish from the Belgian Grand Prix, allowing John Surtees to clinch the title with his top six results comprising all podium finishes.

A similar scenario unfolded in the 1988 season when McLaren teammates Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna engaged in a fierce title battle, winning 15 of the 16 races that year. If not for the dropped results rule, Prost would have thwarted Senna's maiden title, finishing the year with 105 points compared to Senna's 94. However, only the drivers' 11 best finishes were taken into account. Prost had to omit three second-place finishes, whereas Senna's discarded results were non-podium finishes. Consequently, Senna emerged as the 1988 Formula 1 world champion with 90 points, while Prost trailed in second place with 87 points, despite arguably displaying more dominance throughout the season.

Points System from 1991-2002

The dropped points system was completely abolished for the 1991 season following Senna's second title win the previous year.

Points System From 2003-2009

Formula 1 adhered to this system for the remainder of the decade and beyond before opting for a change in 2003 in response to the dominance of Michael Schumacher and his iconic car. In an effort to prevent an early runaway championship leader, F1 adjusted the points allocation for podium positions and expanded the number of points-paying positions. This alteration had an immediate effect on the 2003 standings.

During this period, Schumacher clinched his sixth championship by a narrow margin of just two points, a significant contrast to his 67-point lead the previous year. The modified system persisted for the rest of the decade until F1 introduced its most significant points adjustment for the 2010 season, which awarded 25 points for a race victory with a larger gap between first and second place. F1 anticipated that this change would foster a more aggressive "race-to-win" mentality. Over twelve years later, the 2010 modification has remained largely unchanged, except for the reintroduction of the fastest lap bonus point in 2019.

An exception occurred in 2014 when Formula 1 implemented double points for the Abu Dhabi season finale, aiming to heighten the suspense of the championship battle. However, this decision was met with disapproval and deemed overly artificial. Ultimately, it did not impact the championship outcome significantly, as Lewis Hamilton prevailed over Nico Rosberg, a result that would have been the same without the double points system. Consequently, it was discontinued for the 2015 season and has not been reinstated since.

Conclusion

Formula 1's points allocation system has undergone significant evolution over the years, reflecting the sport's continual quest for fairness, competitiveness, and excitement. From its humble beginnings in 1950 to the present day, adjustments have been made to balance the championship race, address dominance by certain F1 drivers or teams, and enhance the overall spectacle of each race.