How does the points system work in Formula 1?

En Formula 1Each season is structured around a championship in which race results are converted into points. These points are used to establish two separate standings: the Drivers' World Championship and the Constructors' World Championship. At the end of the season, the driver with the most points is crowned world champion, while the points of both drivers from the same team are combined to determine the championship-winning team.

The Grand Prix scale

In a Grand Prix, only the first ten drivers to finish score points. The current points system, in place since 2010, awards 25 points to the winner, then 18, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 and 1 point down to tenth place.

This system heavily rewards victory: a winning driver scores seven more points than their closest rival. For example, during a typical race weekend, a driver who wins a race can significantly close the gap in the championship standings against a rival who finishes only fifth.

These points are awarded to both the driver and their team. Thus, if both cars from a team finish in the points, for example third and fifth, their results are added together for the constructors' championship.

• 1st = 25
• 2th = 18
• 3th = 15
• 4th = 12
• 5th = 10
• 6th = 8
• 7th = 6
• 8th = 4
• 9th = 2
• 10th = 1

Points during sprint races

Since 2021, some race weekends have included a sprint race, a shorter event usually held on Saturday. It also awards points, but in smaller quantities.

The top eight drivers each score between 1 and 8 points. A sprint victory is therefore worth eight points, which can represent a significant bonus in the fight for the championship, especially when two drivers are separated by only a few points in the standings.

• 1st = 8
• 2th = 7
• 3th = 6
• 4th = 5
• 5th = 4
• 6th = 3
• 7th = 2
• 8th = 1

Shortened races and reduced points

When the full distance of a Grand Prix cannot be completed, for example due to heavy rain or a prolonged red flag, the points awarded may be reduced.
The FIA ​​then applies different scoring systems depending on the percentage of the race completed. If less than 75% of the scheduled distance is covered, drivers receive fewer points than usual. This rule was clarified after the highly controversial 2021 Belgian Grand Prix, which was interrupted by rain after only a few laps behind the safety car.

• less than 2 laps in the race No points awarded
• less than 25% of the distance Points only for the top five (6, 4, 3, 2, 1)
• between 25% and 50% : intermediate scoring system for the first nine (13, 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1)
• between 50% and 75% : almost complete ranking for the top ten (19, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 3, 2, 1)
• more than 75 % : complete points

A system that has evolved throughout history

The points system hasn't always been the same as it is today. When the World Championship was created in 1950, only the top five drivers scored points, and the winner received only eight. An additional point was also awarded to the driver who set the fastest lap in the race.

Over the decades, the points system has therefore been expanded to reward more drivers and reflect the increasing number of teams on the grid. Since 2010, ten drivers can score points in each race, allowing more teams to contribute regularly to the championship. This system remains central to Formula 1 strategy: every position gained can be crucial in the title race, sometimes right up to the final Grand Prix of the season.

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