F1 tries to be more exciting by adding a point for fastest lap

The Formula 1 (F1) bosses have decided to introduce an addition to the point-scoring system. As well as points being awarded to the top 10 finishers in a race, if a driver finishes in the top 10 and sets the fastest lap in a grand prix, they will be awarded an extra point. Although a common system in other motorsport disciplines, F1 has not had a similar system since the 1950s.

According to the decision-makers in F1, the change has been introduced following feedback from fans. This is despite there not having been any notable calls for its introduction. It is seen as part of a project by owners Liberty Media to make the sport more exciting. Proponents of the change believe it will add more excitement to the end of the race, with some races petering out after the final round of pitstops. Others have called it a gimmick that adds an unnecessary complication to the system.

In terms of last year’s championship outcome there would be little to no significant difference in the results

Liberty Media are making many small changes to F1 in an attempt to make it more exciting and modern. This has ranged from increased social media engagement to removing grid girls from the start of races. The point for fastest lap is part of this campaign. These small changes have to suffice until 2021 when Liberty have an opportunity to completely reorganise the structure of the sport.

What difference would the new system make? In terms of last year’s championship outcome there would be little to no significant difference in the results. But in 2008, for example, the system would have made Felipe Massa champion instead of Lewis Hamilton. However, applying it to previous seasons is flawed considering drivers were not actively going for the fastest lap.

Making the bonus point available to only the top 10 is flawed

The question remains open as to whether the change will make a difference over the course of this season. Many have argued that the caveat making the bonus point available to only the top 10 is flawed. In F1, the position a team finishes in the Constructors’ Championship determines how much prize money they receive. This is especially important for the teams further down the table. To deny bonus points to teams who probably need the extra points most defeats much of the value it could add.

There is also an extreme situation in which the bonus point is problematic. If a drivers’ or constructors’ championship was decided by the system then that is ridiculous, as it would be an arbitrary way to determine the world’s best driver. Similarly, it could be used by teammates of title contenders to take a point away from whoever their teammate is competing with. F1 bosses accept that this is a risk but the likelihood is so low that it is hoped the sport will never have to cross this bridge.

Although the new point system faced much doubt, this race has quelled some of the doubters

The season began with Valtteri Bottas’ win in Australia. Although the new point system faced much doubt, this race has quelled some of the doubters. Despite Bottas having an unassailable lead of more than 20 seconds, he provided entertainment. He was told not to risk the race going for the extra lap but he disregarded this and managed to collect the fastest lap. Max Verstappen added to the excitement by competing with Bottas for the extra point after a mistake prevented him from chasing Hamilton. Furthermore, there was speculation that Ferrari would pit Charles Leclerc for new tyres so that he could chase the extra point.

Initially, it was argued that top teams wouldn’t care about the fastest lap bonus point but the race in Australia has dispersed these concerns. Although time will tell whether the system has a future in the sport, its first race has converted many doubters and given hope that it will improve racing.