F1 drivers have expressed a range of opinions regarding the series' recent decision to eliminate the bonus point awarded for achieving the fastest lap, a change set to take effect in 2025. This announcement was made by the FIA's World Motor Sport Council on Thursday, just ahead of the US Grand Prix, as part of a series of regulatory updates.
The fastest lap point was introduced in 2019 to add an extra layer of excitement to races and to incentivize drivers in lower points positions to push for the fastest lap towards the end of the race. However, many drivers felt that the rule did not fulfill its intended purpose. Instead of highlighting outright speed, the point often ended up being awarded based on the race's circumstances, such as tire strategies or timing of pit stops, rather than a driver's raw pace.
Ferrari's Carlos Sainz was one of the first to voice his opinion on the change, stating that he always believed the fastest lap point was unnecessary. He remarked, "Right now, that point goes to the one that has a free pit stop one lap from the end of the race. It doesn’t show who is the fastest guy in the race, and he deserves one point for being the fastest." Sainz highlighted that the point often went to a driver who benefited from luck or advantageous race situations rather than their overall speed and performance throughout the race.
Mercedes driver George Russell echoed Sainz's sentiments, explaining that he had always viewed the point for the fastest lap as somewhat pointless. "It would typically go to a driver having a tough race who would pit, put on new tires, and gain the extra point. I never really saw the benefit of that, so I’m glad to see it go," Russell stated, reinforcing the idea that the bonus point often did not reflect true racing skill.
While many drivers welcomed the change, Red Bull Racing's Sergio Perez expressed a different perspective. He appreciated the additional element the fastest lap point brought to races, especially during tight championship battles. Perez argued, "I don’t really agree [with the change]. It added a lot. There were races, especially when the championship is tight, where that could make a difference. We’re talking about 24 points a season. When you go for it, there’s a lot of pressure on the mechanics to deliver the right stop and for you to deliver the right lap."
The mixed reactions from drivers indicate a divide in how the fastest lap point was perceived and its overall impact on race dynamics. Some drivers found it to be an exciting aspect of the sport, while others felt it detracted from the significance of race performance.
When asked about the potential for introducing other forms of bonus points in F1, such as rewarding pole position, Sainz was more enthusiastic. He noted that pole position is highly valued in the sport, stating, "As drivers in qualifying, we like being the fastest because it reflects that you’ve done the cleanest lap and taken more risks." Sainz suggested that rewarding pole positions could be more meaningful than the fastest lap, particularly in a tightly contested field.
Overall, the decision to remove the fastest lap point reflects ongoing discussions within F1 about how to maintain excitement while ensuring that race performance is accurately rewarded. The mixed feedback from drivers highlights the complexities of finding the right balance in a sport where strategy, skill, and timing play crucial roles in success.
