F1 drivers have expressed differing opinions concerning the series removing the bonus point for fastest lap.
On the Thursday ahead of the USGP, the FIA ​​World Motor Sport Council announced various changes to the F1 regulations that can see the fastest lap bonus point disappear from 2025.
The rule of awarding the fastest lap within the race to the highest 10 driver was introduced in 2019 so as to add an additional element to the spectacle and provides drivers in lower points positions a further incentive to aim for the fastest lap at the top of the race.
However, rule changes rarely had the specified effect, and the purpose was often decided by the circumstances of the race fairly than speed alone. That's why most drivers asked about this variation weren't particularly sad to see it made.
“I have always been of the opinion that it is not necessary, mainly because of the way it is achieved,” said Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz. “At the moment, this point is awarded to the one who has a free pit stop one lap before the top of the race. So it doesn't show who’s the fastest within the race, and he deserves one point for being the fastest.
“Most of the time, the point goes to the guy who, by accident, luck or race situation, gets a free pit stop at some point in the race.”
Mercedes' George Russell completely agreed with Sainz: “I at all times thought the purpose for fastest lap was a bit pointless because the driving force at all times had a difficult race and would pit, put latest tires on and get an additional point.
“I never really saw the benefit of it, so in a way I'm glad it's gone,” Russell added, with Sainz's teammate Charles Leclerc expressing an analogous opinion.
Sergio Perez on his strategy to fastest lap on the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing RB20
Photo: Erik Junius
“We're talking about 24 points in a season”
Not all drivers are in the identical situation, nevertheless, as Red Bull Racing driver Sergio Perez really liked the added element of race day, especially the added pressure on drivers and teams to chase the fastest lap at the top of the race.
“I don't entirely agree with that,” he said. “It helped quite a bit. There were races, especially when the championship was quite tight between teams and drivers, and that would have really made the difference. We're talking about 24 points in a season.
“I don't know why it modified, I just felt prefer it was pretty good. When you select to do that, there’s numerous pressure on the mechanics to make sure you stop properly and on you to finish the right lap. I don't think it was the very best move.”
Asked if extra points still had a future in F1, for instance by rewarding pole positions, Sainz was more enthused.
“Yes, I agree. Pole position is something that, no less than in Formula 1, has great value,” he said. “And in fact as drivers in qualifying we prefer to be the fastest since it shows that perhaps you probably did the cleanest lap, perhaps you took more risks… you place every part on the road to get pole position.
“In a field where only one car can take all the pole positions, it makes less sense. But in an ideal scenario in a tight field, it might make more sense than having the fastest lap in the race.”
