As Formula 1 stakeholders convene, there’s a rift forming over a proposal to modify the current points system. Discussions to take place at the F1 Commission are set to address a suggestion, predominantly backed by smaller teams and also endorsed by powerhouse Red Bull, to include P11 and P12 in the points system, extending beyond the existing P10.
For any updated policy to take effect in 2025, it would require the affirmative votes of at least six teams.
“The competition is tough,” said Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, in an interview with Bild newspaper. “Two groups have formed – the top 5 and then the teams from sixth to tenth places.”
“Every single point is hard fought for. Of course, in the end, you’d have to ask yourself what it would really change, but I’m completely impartial. But of course, points mean money.”
“So I do understand the concern.”
The sentiment isn’t universally shared, as Red Bull-supported racer Yuki Tsunoda expresses some reservations. Sport1 reports his viewpoint, “When all the drivers score, you are not as motivated. Now, if we are P9 or P10, it’s like a win for us.”
“I’d be happy if we keep it that way.”
Similarly, Williams’ Alex Albon holds a conservative stance on the scoring system, as conveyed by motorsport-total.com, “I would not change the system.”
Haas, frequently finishing in the rear in recent seasons, emerges as one of the staunchest advocates for the revised system. Team boss Ayao Komatsu, speaking in Shanghai, queried, “What’s the downside?”
“As the proposal stands, it makes no difference to those who score big points,” he explained, according to Ekstra Bladet. “It only has consequences for, let’s say, the bottom five.”
“If you look at recent years, it would perhaps change a single position around P8-P9 in the world championship. So it’s not a huge change.”
“But for the fans, it would be good to see 11th and 12th places being rewarded. Right now there are three teams without any points at all.”
Reflecting on the current race results, “Esteban Ocon was P11 today,” Komatsu noted last Sunday, “so he would have got two points and therefore fewer with a zero score. It’s more obvious for the fans – a reward.”
Kevin Magnussen from Haas proposes even more radical changes, suggesting, “Maybe give points to everyone. 50 points to P1 and then spread it out.”
“It won’t change anything at the top, but would make the races more interesting for the bottom five.”
GMM
