What's the point? Why F1 scrapped fastest lap.

Formula 1 has announced it will scrap the extra point for fastest lap for the 2025 season. Why take away something that adds a little entertainment at the end of a race?

Source: Qian Jun, MB Media/Getty Images

While a lot of motorsport series, such as IndyCar and Formula 2, have had fastest lap points for a while, Formula 1 only introduced an extra point for the 2019 season. The reasoning for it was to add a bit of drama that could influence the outcome of the world championship.

In a way it did, but it wasn’t usually based on meritocracy or driving ability. While in F2 and IndyCar the field tends to be more punched up, F1 races end, spreading the field out more. Large gaps emerge between drivers.

This led to a pattern where the drivers set the fastest laps, where those who had a pit stop gap behind them with 2 laps to go and could then make a pit stop to gain an extra point. It’s also delegitimated the fastest lap itself, with it usually going to the to the driver who was actually slower.

The only title fight to take place during this rule’s lifetime prior to this year was the 2021 championship between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. A tight championship fight put extra emphasis on the importance of the fastest lap.

Source: Joe Portlock/Getty Images

Quite often the driver who was second would get the fastest lap because they had a gap. A reward for being the slower driver. More farcically, Mercedes and Red Bull would sacrifice their teammates, Bottas and Perez, to take the fastest lap away if they were in an uncompetitive position. This is different from F2, where only the drivers who finish in the top 10 can qualify for the fastest lap.

After refusing to tweak the rule for years, F1 has decided its best to ditch it altogether. This could have effects on future championships and take a little drama at the end of races. However, it is better to focus on the fights for position on track, as they are the reason why F1 is popular.

Remember to follow us on social media to get notified every time an article or the pod comes out: Instagram | Twitter