F1
Debate Revved Up: F1 Drivers Weigh In on Proposed Pole Position Point After 2025 Rule Change
Proposal for Pole Position Point Sparks Debate Among F1 Drivers
With the decision to eliminate the bonus point for the fastest lap starting in 2025, discussions have emerged about whether Formula 1 should award a point for securing pole position. Carlos Sainz supports this idea.
Carlos Sainz thinks it would be more logical to award a point for securing pole position rather than for achieving the fastest lap, following the FIA's decision to amend the rules for Formula 1 in 2025.
Before the United States Grand Prix taking place this weekend, the FIA revealed that starting in the 2025 F1 season, the rule awarding a point for the fastest lap will be eliminated.
Starting from 2019, racers who finish in the top ten and record the quickest lap during the race receive an extra point in the championship rankings.
In general, the battle for achieving the quickest lap time usually depends on which of the top drivers has the opportunity for a pit stop, enabling them to switch to new tires.
The unexpected move to eliminate the rule was surprising, yet the topic of the fastest lap point generated significant discussion in Singapore. This came after Daniel Ricciardo snatched it away from Lando Norris, giving a boost to Max Verstappen's championship campaign.
On Thursday in Austin, Sainz expressed his support for the FIA's decision.
He expressed his belief that this particular aspect of the Formula 1 points system is unnecessary. He elaborated by saying that the way it's currently awarded is problematic. At present, the point is typically given to a driver who can make a pit stop without any time loss just one lap before the race concludes.
"It doesn't necessarily reveal who the quickest driver in the race is, and awarding one point for being the fastest doesn't always seem fair. Often, this point ends up being given to someone due to luck, circumstances, or an opportune pit stop during the race. While this isn't always the case, it happens quite frequently."
Sainz believes awarding a point for securing pole position would be more logical, especially considering the importance of the qualifying session.
He mentioned that in Formula 1, securing pole position holds significant importance. He explained that qualifying sessions are highly regarded by the media and the public. For drivers, excelling in qualifying is important because being the quickest suggests that they may have executed the most precise lap.
"You might have taken greater risks, putting everything at stake to secure the pole position. Earning a point for that in a competitive field is logical. However, in a scenario where a single car consistently claims all the pole positions, it seems less reasonable."
"In a perfect situation where there's a competitive field and one driver aiming to secure pole position during qualifying, I believe this approach might be more logical than focusing on achieving the fastest lap during the race."
Alpine F1 racer Esteban Ocon concurred: "Securing pole position is crucial for us drivers and significant for all of you too. We dedicate a lot of effort to achieving it."
"It’s incredibly satisfying. During the competition, our goal is to come out on top. We don't aim to have the quickest single lap. I always believed that earning just one point for the race isn't very beneficial. Achieving pole position would be far more gratifying, and that's what I would favor."
Sharing his perspective from Haas's midfield position, Kevin Magnussen remarked, "There's not much to comment on. As a midfield team, we seldom think about it. Even if we find ourselves in the top 10 or in positions like P6 or P7, it's uncommon to have a gap for a pit stop. It's just not something that concerns us."
Conversely, Lando Norris expressed confusion about the reasons behind the alteration, noting that he preferred the current setup.
Norris expressed his confusion, stating, "I'm clueless. I can't understand their reasoning. Personally, I enjoyed the current state of things. There's a chance to explore different options, though."
Occasionally, taking such risks comes with consequences, particularly in specific situations. For instance, if something goes awry during a pit stop, there could be various factors at play.
"The situation is similar to what we experienced in Singapore. If that's the case, then repeating the action seems appropriate. However, I'm not entirely sure. I don't believe they should alter it simply due to doubts raised post-Singapore. It doesn't concern me personally; it was a matter for the team managers. So, it’s not related to us at all."
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