Formula 1 is set to undergo a series of new rules in 2025. One of the most notable changes is the elimination of the point for the fastest race lap. The World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) announced on Thursday that drivers will no longer be rewarded with a bonus point for clocking the fastest time from next year. This relatively new rule has not had the desired effect over the past seasons.
In 2019, the FIA introduced the extra point for the fastest race lap. Drivers could earn a bonus point from the opening race in Australia if they drove the fastest time of the day during a Grand Prix. A small caveat to this rule: the race had to be at least halfway completed, and the driver had to finish in the top ten. The FIA hoped to stimulate more action on the track and give drivers in the top ten an extra reward.
Strategic Tricks
Over the past few years, the point for the fastest race lap has proven to be counterproductive. For instance, drivers with a significant lead can come in for new tires in the final stages of the race and easily clock the fastest race lap. Teammates also use such tricks to snatch points away from rival teams. For example, Visa RB driver Daniel Ricciardo snatched the fastest race lap from Lando Norris in Singapore at the last minute. Since Visa RB is closely related to Red Bull – McLaren’s biggest rival – this action sparked debate.
To avoid confusion in the future, the rule will be abolished from 2025. From next year, drivers will only compete for regular points according to the points system introduced in 2010. Furthermore, from 2025, teams must deploy a young driver four times during a free practice session. In the past years, this was only required twice.
