One of the most talked-about moments of the past Formula 1 season was Daniel Ricciardo’s fastest lap in Singapore. His performance didn’t earn him a point because he finished outside the top ten, but it did prevent Lando Norris from getting the point, which in turn influenced the title fight between Norris and Verstappen.
This led to much speculation: did the fastest lap rule have too much influence on the championship? The FIA apparently thought so: from 2025, the fastest lap point will be abolished, a decision that has significantly divided the F1 world. Is it a blessing or a curse — where do you stand in the debate?
Supporters: Tension and Tactics Benefit F1
Supporters of the fastest lap point are understandably not happy with the FIA’s announced abolition. They see it as a valuable game element that offers significant benefits. What are their arguments?
- Strategy: The point adds an extra layer of tactics to races, with choices for pit stops and tires;
- Tension: Additional pit stops and tactical choices create drama and unexpected twists;
- Opportunities: Even smaller teams not competing for the win can play a role and stand out because of the point;
- Entertainment: The point motivates drivers to keep pushing until the last lap;
- Engagement: Fans follow the fastest lap statistics with extra interest.
For the proponents, the fastest lap point is indeed an indispensable element of Formula 1. But what do the opponents think?
Opponents: Formula 1 is not a Chess Game
Opponents of the fastest lap point are pleased with the FIA’s decision. They see it as a forced entertainment element that unnecessarily distracts from the core: crossing the finish line first. What are their main arguments?
- Safety: Extra pit stops for the fastest lap can cause dangerous situations. Better to avoid this;
- Fairness: The fastest lap is often unattainable for smaller teams, as top teams have the resources to secure the point;
- Distraction: The point focuses on a small part of the race, while the core is: who is the fastest over an entire distance;
- False agreements: There is speculation that teams make agreements among themselves to let a driver take the fastest lap point;
- Undesirable influence: the point can have an undesirable influence on the race in a way that does not support the essence of the sport, as with Ricciardo.
Will We Miss the Fastest Lap Point?
With the new season approaching, we know one thing for sure: the fastest lap point will no longer cause commotion or confusion. But wasn’t that precisely what made it so exciting?
