In 2019, F1 introduced a point for the driver who set the fastest lap. This was to give an extra push to lower-point drivers during the race. While it might not have achieved its desired effect, it has recently become one of the deciding factors in this year’s World Drivers’ Championship (WDC).
Daniel Ricciardo pitted in the last few laps at the Singapore Grand Prix. With that strategic pit stop, he managed to snag the fastest lap. Before he got that, Lando Norris was in place to get the extra point. With Riccardo receiving the extra point, Max Verstappen can finish second to Lando Norris in every remaining race and still win the WDC.
F1 announce the removal of the fastest-point lap
On October 17, the FIA announced that they would be getting rid of the fastest lap point. This was decided at the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) meeting that took place earlier in the day. As the fastest lap point is only available to teams in the top 10, many drivers felt that it was pointless or not helpful. After the announcement, many of the F1 drivers and teams backed the decision to get rid of it.
🗣️ “Right now it goes to the one that has a free pit stop”
Carlos Sainz believes that it was the correct decision to take away the fastest lap bonus point from the 2025 season 🏎️ pic.twitter.com/gSnvPO1gp5
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) October 17, 2024
One of those drivers was Carlos Sainz. During the United States Grand Prix media day interviews, he said that the fastest lap point does not show the skill of the driver because “It’s a point that goes to the guy that by chance or by luck or by race situation has a free pit stop at some point of the race ”.
Getting rid of the fastest lap point allows to back ten teams to have more of an advantage because the odds are not being stacked against them. With the extra point being taken away, the championship will be a might tighter competition.
Should F1 introduce points for pole position?
For the 2025 season, after the fastest lap point is taken away, some people have suggested a point to be given for pole position. In other racing series such as Formula E, drivers who are in the pole position receive 3 extra points. While points for pole position make more sense, it also brings the issue of lower teams back into play. When was the last time a bottom 10 team put somebody on pole?
🚨 | The World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) has announced the removal of the fastest lap point from next season onwards.
The WMSC has also agreed to double the number of FP1 sessions rookie drivers must be handed by a team from two to four. #F1 #USGP pic.twitter.com/yLjByrWxdW
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) October 17, 2024
Lando Norris expressed his opinion about taking away the fastest lap. He said, “I kind of liked how it is now”. While the faster drivers would prefer to keep the point, the midfield drivers would prefer the opposite.
What do you think about removing the fastest lap point? Is the FIA making too many changes for the 2025 season?
