F1 considers scoring to 12th
Formula One teams will convene on Thursday to discuss a proposal to expand the points scoring positions from 10th to 12th place for the upcoming season.
An FIA spokesman verified that this topic is on the agenda, alongside other sporting regulations, for the virtual F1 commission meeting, which involves both the governing FIA and the commercial rights holder.
Six out of the 10 teams need to vote in favor of the proposal, and further discussion is expected. However, some of the larger teams have indicated they won’t oppose the proposal.
Christian Horner, the head of champions Red Bull, noted after the recent Chinese Grand Prix that Formula One currently feels divided into two groups, with teams ranked 6-10 facing as tough a competition as those in positions 1-5.
He expressed a neutral stance on the proposal, highlighting the importance of analyzing the potential impact before making a decision, though acknowledging its significance, particularly concerning points distribution.
The current scoring system, implemented since 2010, allocates points to only the top 10 finishers in a sequence of 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1.
The proposed adjustment would modify this to a sequence of 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1, extending points scoring down to 12th place. Prior to 2003, only the top six finishers received points.
After five races this season, three teams have yet to score, while Red Bull-owned RB has only managed seven points and Haas five.
The top half of the standings are dominating, with Red Bull leading with 195 points, and even fifth-placed Aston Martin has 40.
If points were awarded to the 11th and 12th finishers, every team would have scored, with Sauber and Renault-owned Alpine both on two points, and Williams on five.
“I’m not against it,” said Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur, who was previously at Sauber when the team raced as Alfa Romeo.
“I perfectly understand the frustration when you have a great weekend but finish P11 with no retirement ahead of you and get zero reward.”
