Formula 1: The rule change that should have been made for 2025 but wasn’t

Formula 1: The rule change that should have been made for 2025 but wasn't

As a lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast, I can’t help but feel a pang of disappointment at the upcoming removal of the bonus point for the fastest lap. I remember the exhilaration when it returned in 2019, and the thrill it added to an already pulse-pounding sport. It was a simple yet effective way to make every race more exciting, even down to the very last second.


As a gaming enthusiast who’s always got the Formula 1 racing fever, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia as I think about the thrill of the fastest lap bonus point. Though it’s only been around since the late ’50s and made a comeback in 2019, it’s swiftly become a fan-pleaser. Sadly, come the 2024 season, this exciting concept will vanish from our racing world once more.

The change was unexpected, as very few people pointed it out as an issue. Awarding an extra point for the fastest lap, provided the driver finished the race inside the top 10, made the racing more exciting, as teams and drivers saw how crucial just one point can be in the driver and constructor world championship battles.

Over the past few racing seasons, the FIA has faced criticism for multiple problems, and they’ve been making adjustments that don’t seem essential. However, eliminating the bonus point appears to be a step taken in anticipation of the 2026 season, which marks the beginning of a brand-new era for Formula 1 rules and regulations.

The rule change that should have happened instead

It’s become evident across the racing circuit that an extra point for the quickest lap can make a significant difference. In some instances, drivers who aren’t even in the top 10 have attempted to set the fastest lap, not to secure the bonus point for themselves, but rather to deprive their competitors of it, even though they wouldn’t gain the additional point personally.

To enhance the overall racing competitiveness across all 20 drivers, and to make the struggles towards the ends of both championships more meaningful, it would have been beneficial if every driver could have earned an extra point for setting the fastest lap.

While many eyes are fixed on McLaren, Red Bull, Ferrari, and their fierce competition for the top spot in the constructor championship, the rivalries between teams like Haas and Red Bull, as well as Williams and Alpine, have remained somewhat unnoticed or under-the-radar.

Picture a scenario where both Haas and Red Bull teams arrive at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with an equal number of points, and none of their drivers are in the top 10 positions. However, they’re all vying to set the fastest lap as a way to gain a minor advantage.

Beyond just increasing competition across the racetrack, such a change could significantly enhance the overall racing experience for viewers. While it might take some time for the FIA to adopt these modifications, it’s an exciting prospect to consider such improvements in the point system.

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2024-10-23 17:32

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