Table of Contents
- Drivers vs. Constructors: What Points Count For
- How Points Are Awarded in a Grand Prix
- Sprint Race Points: A Quick Bonus
- The Fastest Lap Point: What Changed in 2025
- Points for Shortened Races
- Why Points Matter Beyond the Championship
- See the Points System in Action
Drivers vs. Constructors: What Points Count For
In Formula 1, every point a driver earns counts toward two major titles: the Drivers’ Championship and the Constructors’ Championship. The Drivers’ Championship is decided by the total points a single driver collects over the season. The Constructors’ Championship is based on the combined points of both drivers from each team. This means every position matters, not just for the driver, but for the entire team.
Each point a driver scores is added to their personal total and their team’s total.
How Points Are Awarded in a Grand Prix
At the end of a full-length Grand Prix, the top 10 finishers earn points. The winner receives 25 points, and the points decrease for each position down to 10th place. The breakdown is as follows:
- 1st: 25 points
- 2nd: 18 points
- 3rd: 15 points
- 4th: 12 points
- 5th: 10 points
- 6th: 8 points
- 7th: 6 points
- 8th: 4 points
- 9th: 2 points
- 10th: 1 point
These points are awarded only if the race leader completes at least 75% of the scheduled distance. If the race is shorter, the points are reduced.
Sprint Race Points: A Quick Bonus
The Sprint Race, introduced in recent years, is a shorter event held on Saturday. The top 8 finishers in the Sprint Race earn points, with the winner getting 8 points and the points decreasing down to 1 point for 8th place. The Sprint Race points are separate from the main Grand Prix points and add another layer of strategy to the weekend.
- 1st: 8 points
- 2nd: 7 points
- 3rd: 6 points
- 4th: 5 points
- 5th: 4 points
- 6th: 3 points
- 7th: 2 points
- 8th: 1 point
The Fastest Lap Point: What Changed in 2025
From 2019 to 2024, drivers who finished in the top 10 and set the fastest lap of the race could earn an extra point. This rule was removed in 2025. The change was made because sometimes drivers outside the top 10 would pit late to take the fastest lap point, which could affect the points for other drivers. Now, the fastest lap no longer gives an extra point, making the system simpler and more predictable.
The fastest lap bonus point is no longer awarded in the 2025 season.
Points for Shortened Races
If a Grand Prix is shortened due to weather or other issues, the points awarded are reduced based on how much of the race was completed. If the race leader completes less than 75% of the scheduled distance, the points are scaled down. For example:
- If the race is between 50% and 75% complete, the points are: 19, 14, 12, 9, 8, 6, 5, 3, 2, 1.
- If the race is between 25% and 50% complete, the points are: 13, 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
- If the race is less than 25% complete, only the top 5 finishers get points: 6, 4, 3, 2, 1.
This ensures that even in unpredictable conditions, drivers and teams still earn some points for their efforts.
Why Points Matter Beyond the Championship
Points are not just about winning titles. They also affect prize money and team budgets for the following season. Teams with higher points totals receive more financial support, which can impact their ability to develop new cars and attract top talent. Every point can make a difference in the long run.
Points influence not only the championship but also the future of the teams.
See the Points System in Action
To see how the points system works in a real race, check out this highlight from the 2025 British Grand Prix: