Formula 1 Scoring System To Include 12 Drivers? Everything We Know About The Proposed Change – Augustman Malaysia

One of the most challenging sports, Formula 1 handsomely rewards the best, while the rest remain away from the limelight. To amend this situation, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is likely to tweak the F1 scoring system soon.

Any sporting discipline remains alive with the existence of a certain degree of competitiveness. Of late, Formula 1 has seen a runaway leader in Max Verstappen and his constructor side, Red Bull Racing. Behemoths such as Scuderia Ferrari, Mercedes and McLaren have fallen well behind in the race. However, the picture is bleaker for comparatively smaller sides who languish at the bottom of the world championship standings.

So how can a new Formula 1 scoring system, as recommended by the FIA, change this? Read more to find out.

A look at the proposed tweaks to the Formula 1 points system after 2024

In the past, only the top six drivers in a Formula 1 Grand Prix race points table were awarded points. The current Formula 1 scoring system, which has been in place since 2010, awards points to the top 10 drivers in a race. Here is the sequence in which the points are handed out per position in Formula 1:

First: 25 points

Second: 18 points

Third: 15 points

Fourth: 12 points

Fifth: 10 points

Sixth: 8 points

Seventh: 6 points

Eighth: 4 points

Ninth: 2 points

Tenth: 1 point

According to the proposed points system, 12 drivers will be awarded points at the end of a Grand Prix instead of 10. In that case, the new sequence will look like this:

First: 25 points

Second: 18 points

Third: 15 points

Fourth: 12 points

Fifth: 10 points

Sixth: 8 points

Seventh: 6 points

Eighth: 5 points

Ninth: 4 points

Tenth: 3 point

Eleventh: 2 points

Twelfth: 1 point

In order to make this scoring system effective starting next season, six of the 10 Formula 1 constructor teams need to vote in its favour.

Why has the need to change the Formula 1 scoring system arisen?

By virtue of the current points system, the top five constructor sides are in a league of their own. Meanwhile, the others are left scrounging for points. As of April 2024, three teams — Williams Mercedes, Alpine Renault and Kick Sauber Ferrari — are yet to open their accounts this season.

Had the points been handed out to the 11th and 12th-ranked drivers in every Grand Prix this season, all the teams would have had points in their accounts. Williams would have had five points at this stage, while Alpine and Sauber would have been on two points each.

Ending races with no points lands the constructor sides in a precarious position with the sponsors and the investors. The situation becomes extremely tricky for the teams. If a sponsor wishes to pull out mid-season or at the end of the season, they are not at fault — every brand would want a positive image in the market. In turn, the teams end up losing financial support.

Will the proposed Formula 1 points system get implemented? We remain hopeful as it holds the potential to benefit a lot of teams and their drivers.

(Main and Featured Images Credits: Formula 1)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– How does the Formula 1 scoring system work? 
According to the current Formula 1 scoring system, the top 10 drivers in a Grand Prix race are awarded points in the sequence 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1.

– What changes are being introduced to the Formula 1 scoring system? 
According to the proposed new scoring system, the top 12 drivers will be awarded points instead of the top 10 in a Formula 1 race.