When the Fastest Lap Point Actually Works

The fastest lap point actually worked in Interlagos. But it should still be ditched for 2025.

The wet race in Brazil demonstrated a better system where the fastest lap works. In the final 20 laps, as a track dried out and the intermediates didn’t suffer too much tyre wear, it produced fastest laps almost every lap.

Everyone of these went to Max Verstappen, dominating the race after coming through the field. He was the deserved winner of the race (and that extra point).

Source: @SCUDERIAFEMBOY on Twitter/X

But most races aren’t wet or like the one in Brazil on Sunday. They are usually dominated by tyre wear, and the fastest lap goes to the driver, who pits with two laps to go, meaning the extra point loses meritocracy.

Maybe F1 could bring in lower degradation tyres? But that might spoil the racing. Maybe bring in a rule that fastest lap can only be set on older tyres? But that’s making a complicated sport even more so for casual fans.

In fact, the existence of the fastest lap extra point delegitimises it as well. When the fastest lap, was just for honour, a little award at the end of the season and no points, teams wouldn’t bother to pit for no extra points. It carried a bit more legitimacy.

Source: Kym Illman/Getty Images

Since the point was introduced in 2019, it’s been about who has a pit stop gap behind them. And then occasionally like on Sunday, it can go to the fastest driver. While watching a Grand Prix, let's focus on the drivers battling for position and leave the fastest lap coverage to the DHL YouTube channel.

As the for the style of racing in wet conditions, some fans prefer it. Lower deg allows drivers to go 30 laps on a set of tyres without having to look after them. Verstappen's engineer pleaded with him to slow down as he set 17 fastest laps.

It is a joy to see drivers like Verstappen pushing the limits every lap, it can also create more predictable outcomes in dry races. Just because a wet race is enjoyable doesn't mean the same logic can be applied to a dry one.

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