How the points system started
The original Formula 1 points system in 1950 awarded points to the top five finishers: 8 for first, 6 for second, 4 for third, 3 for fourth, and 2 for fifth. An additional point was awarded for the fastest lap. Only the best four results from the season counted toward the championship, a system designed to reward peak performance over consistency.
How the system has changed
The points system has been revised multiple times over F1's history:
- 1950-1959: 8-6-4-3-2, best 4 of 8 rounds counted
- 1960-1990: 9-6-4-3-2-1, expanded to top six, best results counted
- 1991-2002: 10-6-4-3-2-1, all results counted
- 2003-2009: 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1, expanded to top eight
- 2010-present: 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1, expanded to top ten
The 2010 change was the most significant in F1 history. By awarding 25 points for a win instead of 10, the FIA made winning races much more valuable than finishing second. This was designed to encourage drivers to race for wins rather than settle for safe points finishes.
The fastest lap point
In 2019, the fastest lap point was reintroduced — a driver who sets the fastest lap during a Grand Prix and finishes in the top 10 earns an extra point. This was designed to encourage drivers to push harder in the closing stages of races.
The sprint points system
With the introduction of sprint races, a separate points system was created: 8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 for the top eight finishers. Sprint points are awarded independently of the Grand Prix, giving drivers two opportunities to score each sprint weekend.
What the points system tells us about F1
The evolution of the points system reflects the evolution of F1's philosophy. The early system rewarded peak performance — a driver could win the championship with a handful of dominant performances. The modern system rewards consistency — a driver who finishes on the podium every race will beat a driver who wins three races and retires from five others.
In the 2026 era, with closer racing and more overtaking opportunities, the points system continues to shape how drivers approach each race. The 25-point win reward means that every victory matters enormously, and the fastest lap point adds an extra layer of strategy to the closing stages.