Formula 1 to scrap bonus point for fastest lap

Following a meeting of the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council, Formula 1 has resolved to scrap the bonus point for the fastest lap from the 2025 season, a rule that was reintroduced in 2019. 

The bonus point, which is not part of the usual 101 points distributed among the drivers who finish in the top 10 at every Grand Prix, is reserved for the driver who sets the fastest lap so long as they finish in the top 10. 

Although no reason was given for why it was being scrapped, the recent Singapore GP comes to mind following the controversy regarding the fastest lap point. Daniel Ricciardo set the fastest lap, but because he finished outside the top 10 position, he was not awarded the point. Ricciardo’s win denied McLaren’s Lando Norris the chance of winning the extra point in a race that he won. 

It gets trickier because Ricciardo was driving for RB, which is also managed by Red Bull, and given the tough competition between Red Bull and McLaren this season, it was assumed that Ricciardo’s move to pit for fresh tyres when the race was almost over was influenced by Red Bull to deny McLaren that extra point which would have given Norris the edge over Max Verstappen for the remainder of the season. 

With the latest development, there would no longer be any extra point for teams to fight for on race day as from 2025, return the maximum score for a race win to 25 points. 

Alongside this change, the FIA will require teams to field rookie drivers in two practice sessions per car each season, doubling the previous mandate. This initiative is designed to provide young drivers with more opportunities to gain experience in competitive environments. 

In addition to these changes, the FIA is also working on refining technical regulations for 2026, focusing on improving car performance while promoting closer racing dynamics. This includes updates aimed at aerodynamics and energy management systems, ensuring that future races remain exciting and competitive.