Explained: F1's Points System and How Drivers Earned Points in the Past
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Learn about the history of Formula 1's points system, from its inception to the current rules for F1 2025. Understand how points are awarded to drivers and how they have evolved over time.
Formula 1 has had numerous changes to its points-scoring system throughout its history, with each evolution impacting the way drivers and teams earn points for both the Drivers’ Championship and the Constructors’ Championship. The system that is in place today is a result of years of fine-tuning to create a fairer and more competitive environment. Here’s a look at the current points system and how it has evolved over the years.
F1's Current Points System for 2025 and Beyond
As of 2025, the Formula 1 points system remains largely unchanged from the one introduced in 2010. Points are awarded to the top 10 finishers in each race, with the following breakdown:
- 1st place: 25 points
- 2nd place: 18 points
- 3rd place: 15 points
- 4th place: 12 points
- 5th place: 10 points
- 6th place: 8 points
- 7th place: 6 points
- 8th place: 4 points
- 9th place: 2 points
- 10th place: 1 point
Additionally, while a fastest lap point was awarded from 2019 to 2024, the F1 Commission voted to remove it for the 2025 season. The fastest lap point used to be given only if the driver setting the fastest lap finished in the top 10, and only for races lasting 50% or more of the full duration.
The Sprint Race and Points Allocation
Another way drivers can earn points is through the Sprint races, a shorter race format introduced in 2021. The top eight finishers in Sprint races receive points on a sliding scale:
- 1st place: 8 points
- 2nd place: 7 points
- 3rd place: 6 points
- 4th place: 5 points
- 5th place: 4 points
- 6th place: 3 points
- 7th place: 2 points
- 8th place: 1 point
Initially, only the top three finishers in Sprint races earned points, but this was expanded to the top eight starting in 2022.
Previous F1 Points Systems
Before the 2010 overhaul, F1’s points system underwent multiple changes. Here’s a look at the points structures used between 2003 and 2009, as well as earlier systems.
F1 Points System (2003–2009)
Between 2003 and 2009, the points were awarded to the top eight finishers as follows:
- 1st place: 10 points
- 2nd place: 8 points
- 3rd place: 6 points
- 4th place: 5 points
- 5th place: 4 points
- 6th place: 3 points
- 7th place: 2 points
- 8th place: 1 point
F1 Points System (1991–2002)
From 1991 to 2002, the system saw a reduction, with only the top six finishers earning points:
- 1st place: 10 points
- 2nd place: 6 points
- 3rd place: 4 points
- 4th place: 3 points
- 5th place: 2 points
- 6th place: 1 point
F1 Points System (1961–1990)
From 1961 to 1990, the top six finishers earned points, but the distribution was slightly different:
- 1st place: 9 points
- 2nd place: 6 points
- 3rd place: 4 points
- 4th place: 3 points
- 5th place: 2 points
- 6th place: 1 point
During this period, the system for determining the championship winner was not always based on the full points tally. For example, between 1981 and 1990, only a driver’s best 11 results counted, with their worst five races discarded.
F1 Points System (1960)
In 1960, points were awarded to the top six finishers as follows:
- 1st place: 8 points
- 2nd place: 6 points
- 3rd place: 4 points
- 4th place: 3 points
- 5th place: 2 points
- 6th place: 1 point
F1 Points System (1950–1959)
From 1950 to 1959, the points structure was as follows:
- 1st place: 8 points
- 2nd place: 6 points
- 3rd place: 4 points
- 4th place: 3 points
- 5th place: 2 points
Additionally, from 1950 to 1959, the driver who set the fastest lap was awarded one point, a rule that was removed after 1959 and did not return until 2019.
How Championships Were Decided
Throughout the history of F1, the method for determining the championship winner has evolved. In the early years, drivers’ best results were used to determine their final points tally. For example, between 1950 and 1953, only a driver’s best four results counted towards their championship score.
In later years, changes were made to allow for more consistency. However, the method of dropping a driver’s worst results remained in place until the late 1980s, when a more straightforward points tally was introduced.
Conclusion
Formula 1’s points system has undergone several changes over the years, adapting to the evolving nature of the sport. Today’s system, which awards points to the top 10 finishers and adds a points system for Sprint races, provides an exciting and competitive way to decide both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. The evolution of the points system reflects the growth and modernization of Formula 1, keeping the sport thrilling for fans and competitors alike.
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