F1 points system explained
24 April 2025The Formula 1 points system dictates the World Championship outcomes for both drivers and teams, so is obviously a key component of the rules.
While the system may seem straightforward on the surface, there are a few key nuances to remember – from Sprint Races to red-flagged Grands Prix – that shape how points are awarded throughout a season.
What do the points count towards?
Points are used to crown two champions at the end of each F1 season: the Drivers’ Champion and the Constructors’ Champion.
Each point a driver earns contributes to their individual total as well as being combined with their team-mates to generate their team’s overall tally.
Come the end of the season, these totals not only determine the coveted titles but also prize money and subsequent team development budgets, significantly impacting the following year as well.
How many points are available per race?
Varying points are awarded for full-length Grands Prix and the shorter Sprint Races.
Grand Prix points system
Since 2010, the top 10 finishers have been awarded points as follows:
- 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1, from first to tenth place
Sprint Race points system
The Sprint Race format – introduced during the 2021 season – rewards the top eight drivers with points:
- 8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1.
Fastest lap point
Introduced in 2019, the fastest lap point gave drivers in the top 10 the opportunity to earn an extra point should they set the fastest lap of the race.
For 2025, that rule was removed from the points system after drivers outside the top 10 started taking points away from other drivers.
Are points scored in shortened races?
Yes, but with limits. In the wake of the controversial 2021 Belgian Grand Prix, new rules were implemented for 25%, 50% and 75% races.
If more than two laps but less than 25% of the Grand Prix distance has been completed, the top five will receive points:
- 6-4-3-2-1.
From 25% to 50% Grand Prix distance, the top nine drivers are awarded points:
- 13-10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1.
Races completed between 50% and 75% see the usual top 10 finishers score points but to a lesser degree:
- 19-14-12-9-8-6-5-3-2-1.
Finally, if a Grand Prix has completed over 75% of its distance, full points are given.
How many points did the 2024 F1 champion score?
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen scored 437 points en route to his fourth successive title.
The year before, Max scored 575 points, the most by any driver in a single F1 season after taking a record 19 victories.
A history of the F1 points system
2010 onwards
The current system, which rewards the top 10 finishers, was introduced to reflect increased reliability and competitiveness throughout the grid, while also allowing midfield teams to score more regularly.
Pre-2010 points
From 2003 to 2009, points were awarded to the top 8 drivers:
- 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1.
This change was introduced to narrow the gap between first and second place and keep championship battles closer.
Pre-2003 points
Before 2003, only the top 6 could score:
- 10-6-4-3-2-1.
Even further back
Varying point systems were used prior to 1990. For most of F1’s first decade – the fifties – only the top five drivers were eligible to score points and the point for fastest lap was first used during this period.
