Formula One is set to deliberate on a proposal this week aimed at expanding the allocation of championship points in Grand Prix races. Currently, only the top ten finishers receive points, with the distribution structured as 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1.
The suggested adjustment, which will be discussed in Thursday’s F1 Commission meeting, would see the points awarded extend to the top 12 drivers, with the new system expected to take effect from the 2025 season. Under this proposal, the points distribution for the top seven finishers would remain unchanged, while adjustments would be made for eighth place onwards, transitioning from 4-2-1-0-0 to 5-4-3-2-1.
Sources indicate that this proposal has arisen in response to calls from smaller teams, who believe that offering additional points would provide increased value, particularly considering the gap in performance between the top five teams and the rest of the grid. Currently, three teams – Williams, Sauber, and Alpine – have yet to score any points this season.
To garner support for the proposal, efforts have been made to ensure that the top seven teams remain unaffected, as the backing of six out of the ten teams is required for the proposal to be approved. However, it’s worth noting that the decision ultimately rests with the teams, who may choose to defer the vote in order to conduct further analysis on the potential benefits and drawbacks of the proposed changes.
Over the years, F1 has gradually increased the number of points awarded to drivers. The points system evolved from the old 10-6-4-3-2-1 format to the current 10-8-5-4-3-2-1 system introduced in 2010. The most recent adjustment to the points system occurred in 2021, with the introduction of a bonus point for the driver setting the fastest lap of the race within the top 10. Under the proposed changes, this bonus point would also extend to drivers finishing in the top 12.