F1 drivers support axing the fastest lap point, proposing instead to reward the pole-sitter with an additional point.
The F1 teams, FOM, and FIA agreed during the latest FIA World Council meeting on Thursday to vote for the removal of the point for the fastest lap in the race.
This decision likely stems from suspicions of collusion between RB F1 and Red Bull Racing in Singapore when Ricciardo denied Norris the fastest lap point. A farewell gift to the Australian, perhaps, but certainly a good move for Verstappen!
Drivers were asked about this decision in Austin. Carlos Sainz supported it and instead called for a point to be awarded to the pole-sitter.
“I’ve never been a fan of this rule, so I’m not unhappy that it’s being abolished. In recent years, the fastest lap point has often gone to the driver who, due to how the race unfolded, could make a pit stop without losing position, so it didn’t really reward the best. In my opinion, it would make more sense to award a point to the driver who secures pole position, as that would truly go to the driver who set the fastest time. The point for the fastest lap in the race certainly won’t be missed.”
His teammate, Charles Leclerc, said he wasn’t too bothered by the decision.
“As Carlos mentioned, it doesn’t always reward the best driver. Usually, the point goes to the driver in a position to make an extra pit stop without losing their place. I don’t think it will be missed much, partly because, so far, it hasn’t had a major impact on the outcome of the championship.”
Fernando Alonso had no strong opinion: “I don’t know, I raced 90% of my career without a fastest lap point, and things went just fine. It won’t change much. If they decide this is the way to go, we’ll support it.”
And don’t expect Lance Stroll to launch into a monologue on the subject: “Whatever, I don’t have a firm opinion.”
George Russell added, “I’ve always thought the fastest lap rule was a bit strange because if a driver had a poor race, they could put on fresh tires and set the fastest lap. Often, it was a driver in ninth or tenth place who could do it, and they weren’t the fastest in the race. So, I’m not sad to see this rule go.”
Esteban Ocon agrees with Sainz on awarding a point for pole position.
“For us drivers, being on pole is something very important, and I think it’s the same for all of you. It’s something we put a lot of effort into, and it’s very rewarding. In the race, we compete to win. You don’t necessarily race to set the fastest lap. I never thought it made sense to have a point for the race, but for pole position, it would be much more rewarding, and I’d prefer that.”
Lando Norris’s opinion was also awaited after what happened in Singapore.
“I have no idea. I don’t know if it was because of Ricciardo or not.”
“I kind of liked the current situation. I mean, you know, there’s an opportunity to go for something extra. Sometimes you pay the price for taking that risk, and it’s always been a risk in certain scenarios. If your pit stop goes wrong, you know, for different reasons.”
“The fact is, if what happened in Singapore or something like that happens again, with alliances, then it’s the right thing to do. But I don’t know. I don’t think they should change it just because people are questioning it after Singapore.”
“So, I don’t know. It’s not up to me. That’s a question for the team managers.”
- You may also like>Without an olive branch from the FIA, Verstappen will continue his boycott
- Also make sure you follow us on social media>Facebook and>Twitter
Pole-Sitter to Get F1 Point? Sainz, Ocon Suggest Shift Pole-Sitter to Get F1 Point? Sainz, Ocon Suggest Shift. f1 2024 Pole-Sitter to Get F1 Point Sainz Ocon Suggest Shift
