F1 Points Expansion: Will New System Gain Traction?

As Formula 1 stakeholders gear up for a pivotal discussion, the proposed expansion of the points system stirs mixed reactions among teams and drivers.

Opinions are already split as Formula 1 stakeholders prepare to discuss expanding the current points system.

The F1 Commission will discuss a proposal on Thursday, submitted by smaller teams but also reportedly supported by Red Bull, to extend points scoring down to 12th place (see details in our article here).

Before June 30, unanimity is not necessary: six out of ten teams must vote in favor of a potential concrete proposal for the rule to debut in 2025.

“The competition is fierce,” said Red Bull team boss, Christian Horner.

“It feels like there are two groups in Formula 1 right now, and the teams ranked 6th to 10th are fighting just as hard as the top five. So, every point has been hard-earned for them.”

“I think it’s one of those things where you just have to analyze the numbers, look at these analyses and ask: what would it really change? So I will be impartial in that regard when it comes time to vote.”

“But of course, points also mean more money. So, I understand the concerns.”

Interestingly, Red Bull-supported F1 driver Yuki Tsunoda does not seem enthusiastic.

“When every driver scores, you’re not as motivated. Now, if we’re 9th or 10th, it’s like a victory for us. I would be happy if we continue like this.”

Alex Albon from Williams F1 agrees: “I wouldn’t change the system even though we struggle to break into the top 10. The quality of the positions already serves to differentiate us.”

One of the biggest proponents of this change is Haas F1, a team that has regularly finished last in recent seasons but is performing much better this year.

“What’s the downside? Currently, we have three teams with zero points and I don’t think that’s good for the sport,” says Ayao Komatsu.

“If someone gets points for 11th and 12th places, there will be fewer people with zero points. So, I think it’s clearer for the fans and for the motivation of everyone working in a team as well. It’s much better to finish 12th with one point or 11th with two points—it’s a reward.”

“As it stands, the proposal doesn’t make any difference for those who score big points. It only affects, say, the last five. If you look at the past few years, it might have changed just one position around 8th or 9th place in the world championship. So it’s not a huge change.”

“But for the fans, it would be nice to see the 11th and 12th places rewarded. Esteban Ocon was 11th on Sunday so he would have had two points and Alpine would no longer have a zero score.”

What does Esteban Ocon think about it?

“Well, it’s like putting a bandage on a large cut. Let’s call it that. It’s a way to help the current situation. It would certainly work because we would have scored points [in China]. But I would prefer to be able to race forward and see each team closer. And I think it’s fair to say it’s a small gain compared to what we’re trying to do, which is to bring all the cars in the pack closer so that one day an F1 can finish as well 2nd as 14th depending on the tracks, your settings, or your mistakes.”

Haas driver Kevin Magnussen would go even further.

“Maybe give points to everyone. 50 points for first place then spread down to the last, a bit like in IndyCar. It wouldn’t change anything at the top, but it would make the races more interesting for the last five.”

Ferrari, a team that typically operates at the top, would not be against the system proposed for Thursday, according to Frédéric Vasseur.

“I’m not against it. And coming from Alfa Romeo, I sometimes perfectly understand the frustration when you have a mega weekend, but if there are no retirements ahead of you, then you finish 11th and the reward is nothing.”

“For now, you can finish 11th or 20th and it’s the same financially, so I can understand the frustration that this causes.”