1. Points Are Awarded to the Top 10 Finishers
In every Formula 1 race, only the drivers who finish in the top 10 positions earn championship points. The winner receives the most points, and the amount decreases for each lower position. The current points system is as follows:
- 1st place: 25 points
- 2nd place: 18 points
- 3rd place: 15 points
- 4th place: 12 points
- 5th place: 10 points
- 6th place: 8 points
- 7th place: 6 points
- 8th place: 4 points
- 9th place: 2 points
- 10th place: 1 point
Drivers who finish outside the top 10 do not receive any points for that race.
2. Fastest Lap Bonus Point
Since 2019, an extra point is awarded to the driver who sets the fastest lap during the race, but only if they finish in the top 10. This rule encourages drivers to push for speed even if they are not in contention for the win.
The fastest lap bonus point adds an extra layer of excitement and strategy to every race.
3. Points Are Accumulated Over the Season
Each driver’s points from every race are added together throughout the season. The driver with the highest total at the end of the season is crowned the World Champion.
4. Teams Also Earn Points
Every F1 team enters two cars in each race. The points scored by both drivers are combined to form the team’s total. For example, if one driver finishes 1st (25 points) and the other finishes 3rd (15 points), the team earns 40 points for that race.
5. Maximum Points Per Race
A team can earn a maximum of 44 points in a single race if both of their drivers finish 1st and 2nd. This is the highest possible team score for any race weekend.
6. Points Are Kept If a Driver Changes Teams
If a driver switches teams during the season, they keep all the points they earned with their previous team. The previous team also retains the points scored while the driver was with them.
7. Constructors’ Championship Is Based on Team Totals
The Constructors’ Championship is awarded to the team with the highest combined points total from both of their drivers at the end of the season. This means every point scored by every driver matters for the team’s overall standing.
8. Points Are Only Awarded for Finishing the Race
Only drivers who cross the finish line and complete the race are eligible for points. If a driver retires or is disqualified, they do not receive any points for that race.
9. Points Are Adjusted for Shortened Races
If a race is shortened due to weather or other factors, the points awarded are reduced. For example, if the race leader completes between 50% and 75% of the scheduled distance, the points are halved. If the race is stopped before 50% of the distance, no points are awarded.
10. Points Are the Key to Winning Championships
Both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships are determined by the total points accumulated over the season. Every position, every lap, and every point matters in the fight for the title.
Points are the currency of success in Formula 1, and every driver and team fights for every single one.