In F1 a driver scores points based on the position they finish the race. The total amount of points over a season determines the outcome of both the drivers' championship and the constructors' championship.

Why a points system?

This section provides theformula 1 definitions for F1 points for each points scoring system that has been used in history. You can view the points awarded for each position including percentages vs the number 1 and vs the previous position. You can find the overview of which points system was used in which year at the bottom. Please note that, in the past, for some seasons additionalrules were applied to determine the champion.

Several key elements of the points system are important to understand:

• Points are awarded to the top finishers in each race:in eachgrand prix, points are awarded to the top finishers based on their finishing position. The number of points awarded increases with each position, with the winner of the race receiving the most points. This encourages drivers and teams to strive for the best possible results in each race.
• Consistency is rewarded:the points system rewards consistency, as drivers and teams that consistently finish well in each race can accumulate points over the course of the season. This encourages drivers and teams to focus on achieving consistent results rather than trying to win every race.
• The championship is decided over the course of the season:the points system is designed to determine the overall winners of the championships throughout the season. This means that drivers and teams need to perform consistently well throughout all races on thecalendar in order to win the championship, rather than just winning a few key races.

Overall, the points system in Formula 1 is an important part of the sport, it encourages drivers and teams to aim for the top positions in each race and helps to create a sense of competition and excitement for the fans.

Points definitions and exceptions

In the allocation of the points, the following definitions are applied. The list also contains specific exceptions that can or could (in the past) occur during the race:

• Classified:a driver needs to be classified (within 90% of the race laps of the winner*) to be eligible for points.
• Points for fastest lap:some F1 points systems apply points for the fastest lap achieved during the race. In addition, the point systems in place since 2019 also require a driver to be classified in the top 10.
• Reduced points:uptil the 2022 season, if less than 75% of the race has been completed, halve points will be awarded. Typically these are rain races likeMalaysia 2009 and the recent GP ofBelgium 2021 where either for safety reasons or GP duration (max 2 hours) the race was stopped. Due to the 2021 Belgium GP, additional rules have been added. The key being that at least 2 laps must be completed without a safety car or else no points will be awarded. In addition, the reduced number of points for shorter races have been split into more categories: >2 laps -<25%, 25% -<50% and from 50% -<75%. The definitions can be found at the bottom of this page.
• No points:if less than two laps have been completed of a GP, no points will be awarded.
• Split point:in the early days it was not uncommon for drivers to share the same F1 car in a race. Points would be equally split among them ifany driver finished in the points.
• Split points for fastest lap: in the early days, if multiple drivers recorded the exact same time, the points for the fastest lap were split. This led to extreme cases, for instance in the GP ofGreat Britain 1954 where 7 drivers had the fastest lap. And were awarded 0.142857 points each. This is no longer the case, the first driver to set the fastest laps is eligible for the points.
• Double points:by way of experiment in season2014 the last race awarded double points.
• Disqualification:all types of disqualifications can also mean points are removed or deducted for either the driver or the constructor or both; depending on the crime and punishment.
• Sprint points:finally the latest update to points scoring are F1sprints. The first-time points are awarded outside of the main GP on Sundays.

*the exact definition for classification is: laps >= floor(90% of maximum laps). This definition was introduced from the 1966 season onwards. Disqualifications are excluded.

If a driver switches teams during a season, this does not impact his championship, as all achieved points across teams will be added together. The points for the constructors championship will go to the respective team.

Sprints were introduced in the 2021 season. These are special events only for a limited set of grand prix and award points as well.

A driver is awarded points based on his finishing position in the race. Throughout history, in different seasons different points systems have been applied, which you can find in the tables below. Below these, you can find the overview in which season which points system applies.

Description: In this point system the top 10 drivers are awarded points in each GP. Starting from 25 till 1. This point system includes points for sprint with extended points upto place 8 if that data is available for the season.

Description: In this point system the top 10 drivers are awarded points in each GP. Starting from 25 till 1. In addition 1 point is awarded for fastest lap if the driver has been classified in the top 10. This point system includes points for sprint with extended points upto place 8 if that data is available for the season.

Description: In this point system the top 10 drivers are awarded points in each GP. Starting from 25 till 1. In addition 1 point is awarded for fastest lap if the driver has been classified in the top 10. This point system includes points for sprint qualification if that data is available for the season.

Description: In this point system the top 10 drivers are awarded points in each GP. Starting from 25 till 1.In addition 1 point is awarded for fastest lap if the driver has been classified in the top 10.

Description: In this point system the top 10 drivers are awarded points in each GP. Starting from 25 till 1.

Description: In this point system the top 10 drivers are awarded points in each GP. Starting from 25 points going down to 1. In addition the points achieved in the last GP of the season are multiplied times two.

Description: In this point system the top 8 drivers are awarded points in each GP. Starting from 10 points going down to 1.

Description: In this point system the top 6 drivers are awarded points in each GP. Starting from 10 points going down to 1.

Description: In this system the top 6 drivers are awarded points in each GP. Starting from 9 points going down to 1.

Description: In this system the top 6 drivers are awarded points in each GP. Starting from 8 points going down to 1.

Description: In this system the top 5 drivers are awarded points in each GP. Starting from 8 points going down to 2. And a single point is awarded to the driver that records the fastest lap in the GP.

The various points system have been applied for shorter and longer periods in time. You can look-up the exact system for each season below.

Before 2022 reduced races simply awarded half points. See the below for points awarded since 2022 based on race distance completed and conditions. The calculation of points on this site is linked with the combination of points system and season. So, in case of reduced points, any pre-2022 points system will use the applicable percentage for seasons from 2022 onwards and will not take the actual points as per the below tables. So this will be 0%, 25%, 50% or 75% of total points based on the selected points system.

No points awarded.

Date last modified: 2024-05-13 01:00:03 - 11 months ago