Formula 1 Explained: The Potential Impact of a New Points System As FIA Proposes 2025 Changes

• Formula 1 management and teams are discussing proposals for a new points system
• The current points system being used has been in place since the 2010 F1 season
• Sports Brief examines how the proposed points system affects the current grid

Formula 1 teams and drivers navigate across different race tracks over the course of a calendar year, aiming to amass the most points throughout the season.

These points play a pivotal role in determining the top team in the Constructors' standings and crowning the season's drivers’ champion.

The current points system, implemented in 2010, expanded the number of points-scoring positions from the top eight to the top ten finishers.

However, recent changes, such as the transition to turbo hybrid engines and the introduction of ground effect rules in 2022, have inadvertently made it more challenging for teams at the back of the grid to score points.

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After five races this season, only the top five teams - Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes, and Aston Martin - have amassed significant points. Among the remaining five teams, Money Gram Haas and Visa Cash App RB (VCARB) have secured a few points, while Alpine, Williams Racing, and Stake F1 Kick Sauber are yet to record any points.

It's worth noting that the points accumulated by each team also influence the distribution of revenues among participating teams at the end of the season.

Considering these factors, Sports Brief explores the potential impact of a new points-scoring system on Formula 1.

What the new points system could mean for Formula 1

Enhanced competition among backmarkers

With the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and Formula 1 Management (FOM) considering extending points-scoring positions from the top 10 to the top 12, the grid could see a surge in competitiveness.

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Team principals from the lower-ranked teams often express their weekend goal as finishing as strongly as possible, hoping for a safety car situation that might offer them an unexpected chance to finish in the top 10.

However, under the proposed points system, teams would approach Grand Prix weekends with renewed motivation, as they now have the opportunity to demonstrate that they can be among the best of the midfield.

As a result, this proposed points system could lead to heightened competition at the rear of the grid.

Intensified competition among drivers

The introduction of the new points-scoring system could also elevate the competition among drivers, particularly towards the rear of the grid.

This was evident at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix. Haas Racing, recognising the opportunity to secure a coveted 10th-place finish in Jeddah, delivered a stellar performance with both drivers Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg.

The proposed points system promises to inject more excitement into Formula 1, with increased wheel-to-wheel racing anticipated. This prospect is sure to resonate with many F1 fans, especially those seeking a break from Red Bull's dominance at the front of the grid.

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Heightened potential for marquee drivers joining lower teams

The implementation of the new points system in Formula 1 could spark interest among marquee drivers eyeing seats at teams traditionally considered backmarkers.

Historically, F1 drivers who have established themselves with the top five teams on the grid have been hesitant to join teams they believe would struggle to secure points. However, with the proposed points system, there could be an influx of competitive drivers on the grid, potentially displacing academy drivers who typically occupy seats in these lower-ranked teams.

Whether this new points system will be adopted by the current grid teams remains to be seen.

Formula 1 drivers with the longest win drought

Sports Brief in another report highlighted a list of Formula 1 drivers with the longest win drought in the history of the sport.

The list features two-time drivers’ champion, Fernando Alonso, and Mercedes AMG, Lewis Hamilton.