F1 Explained: How Does the Points Scoring System Work?

If you’re new to Formula 1, you may wonder how points are awarded and how championships are decided. In F1, the points system is the foundation of the sport, determining both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ champions each season. Here’s a breakdown of how scoring works in F1 races, sprints, and even shortened events.

How F1 Points Are Awarded

There are two major titles up for grabs: the Drivers’ Championship and the Constructors’ Championship. Each team has two drivers, and both compete for points that count towards both their individual title and their team’s score in the Constructors’ standings.

In the event of a tie in points, the driver or team with the most wins over the season is crowned champion.

Points System in F1 Races

Points are awarded to the top 10 finishers in every race. The winner of the race earns 25 points, and the points decrease for each subsequent position, down to 1 point for the driver who finishes 10th. Drivers who finish outside the top 10 do not score any points.

Here’s the full breakdown of points for each position in a race:

• 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

Additionally, a driver can earn 1 extra point for setting the fastest lap of the race, but only if they finish within the top 10.

Points System in F1 Sprints

Sprint races were introduced in 2021 as a shorter, high-speed addition to the race weekend. These races cover 100 kilometres and last about 25 to 30 minutes. The top eight finishers in a sprint receive points, with 8 points awarded to the winner and points decreasing down to 1 point for the 8th place finisher.

Sprint points breakdown:

• 1st place: 8 points
• 2nd place: 7 points
• 3rd place: 6 points
• 4th place: 5 points
• 5th place: 4 points
• 6th place: 3 points
• 7th place: 2 points
• 8th place: 1 point

Points for Shortened Races

F1 has special rules for awarding points in races that are cut short due to weather or other circumstances. If a race completes at least 75% of the scheduled distance, full points are awarded. If less than 75% of the race is completed, points are scaled down based on the distance covered.

After the controversial 2021 Belgian Grand Prix, where drivers completed only one lap behind the safety car and were still awarded half points, a new rule was introduced. Now, no points are awarded unless the race leader completes at least two laps without the involvement of a safety car or virtual safety car.

Point Allocation for Shortened Races:

• Two laps – 25% of race distance:
  • 1st place: 6 points
  • 2nd place: 4 points
  • 3rd place: 3 points
  • 4th place: 2 points
  • 5th place: 1 point
• 25% – 50% of race distance:
  • 1st place: 13 points
  • 2nd place: 10 points
  • 3rd place: 8 points
  • 4th place: 6 points
  • 5th place: 5 points
  • 6th place: 4 points
  • 7th place: 3 points
  • 8th place: 2 points
  • 9th place: 1 point
• 50% – 75% of race distance:
  • 1st place: 19 points
  • 2nd place: 14 points
  • 3rd place: 12 points
  • 4th place: 9 points
  • 5th place: 8 points
  • 6th place: 6 points
  • 7th place: 5 points
  • 8th place: 3 points
  • 9th place: 2 points
  • 10th place: 1 point

With these rules, F1 ensures fairness and excitement in every race, even when unforeseen events alter the outcome.

Source: https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/1007641/f1-points-system/