F1’s Fastest Lap Bonus Dropped for 2025: Drivers Weigh in on Pole Position Point Proposal

Could awarding a point for pole position be the next move after the elimination of the fastest lap bonus by 2025? Carlos Sainz suggests this could be a good idea.

Carlos Sainz suggests that awarding one point for securing pole position would be more logical compared to giving it for the fastest lap, following the FIA's decision to alter the rules for the 2025 F1 season.

Before the United States Grand Prix taking place this weekend, the FIA made it known that the rule awarding a point for the fastest lap will be discontinued starting from the 2025 F1 season.

Starting in 2019, drivers who finish in the top 10 and achieve the quickest lap in a race receive an extra point towards their championship total.

Usually, the battle to achieve the quickest lap time is usually determined by which of the front-runners has an extra pit stop, giving them the opportunity to switch to new tires.

The unexpected move to eliminate the regulation caught many off guard, especially since the topic of awarding points for the fastest lap became a major discussion in Singapore following Daniel Ricciardo's last-minute snatch of it from Lando Norris, which in turn helped Max Verstappen in his quest for the championship title.

Addressing an audience in Austin on Thursday, Sainz supported the decision made by the FIA.

"He expressed his belief that the current aspect of the Formula 1 scoring system is unnecessary. His main issue hinges on the method of its attainment. Currently, that particular point is awarded to the driver who can afford a free pit stop just a lap before the race concludes.

"The point isn't awarded to the person who demonstrates the quickest speed in the race, meriting it for their speed. Rather, it often falls to someone who, due to a stroke of luck, the way the race unfolds, or an opportune pit stop during the race, gets it. While this isn't always the case, it happens frequently in many instances."

Sainz believes awarding a point for securing pole position would make more sense, especially considering the importance of qualifying.

"He further emphasized that securing the first spot on the starting grid is highly esteemed, especially in Formula 1," he remarked. "The significance of the qualifying rounds is heavily underscored by the press and the public. Naturally, as drivers, achieving the quickest time in qualifying is desirable as it demonstrates potentially executing the most flawless lap."

"Perhaps you've gambled more, risking it all to secure the pole position. Earning a point for that in a closely contested field is logical. However, in a scenario where only one car dominates all pole positions, it seems less justified."

"In an optimal situation where the competition is close and one competitor is pushing hard in the qualifying round to secure the pole position, it seems to be a more logical approach compared to striving for the fastest lap during the race."

Alpine F1 racer Esteban Ocon concurred, stating, "Achieving pole position is significantly important for us drivers, as well as for all of you. It's a goal we dedicate a great deal of effort towards.

"It's extremely fulfilling. In the competition, our aim is to emerge victorious. The goal isn't just to achieve the quickest time in a single lap. I've always believed that receiving a single point for the race isn't beneficial. Having additional rewards for securing pole position would be more satisfying, and that's an approach I would endorse."

Speaking from his midfield position at Haas, Kevin Magnussen shared, “There’s not much more to say. Looking at it from a midfield team’s viewpoint, it’s hardly something we think about. Being in the top 10, even at positions 6 or 7, it’s uncommon to have a gap for a pit stop. For us, it’s always been a non-issue.”

Conversely, Lando Norris expressed confusion regarding the modification, stating his preference for the current setup.

Norris expressed confusion, stating, "I'm clueless. I'm not sure about their reasoning for this change. Personally, I was quite fond of the current situation. It seems like, well, there's a chance to pursue a different direction.

"Occasionally, taking such chances comes at a cost, especially in specific situations where the stakes are high. When your pit stop doesn't go as planned, for various reasons, you're well aware of the consequences."

"The point being made is that if the situation mirrors what occurred in Singapore, then repeating the process seems justified. However, there's uncertainty about whether changes should be made simply based on doubts raised post-Singapore. It's unclear. This matter doesn't directly involve me; it was primarily a decision for the team management. Therefore, it really doesn't concern us."

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Stay updated with the newest Formula 1 stories, behind-the-scenes exclusives, interviews, and special offers delivered straight to your email.

Visit our Privacy Policy for additional details.

Recent Updates

Additional Updates

Website Map

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is strictly prohibited to duplicate, in whole or in part, any text, photos, or images in any manner.