How the F1 Points System Works
Understanding how drivers and teams score championship points in Formula 1.
Current Points System (2010-Present)
Points are awarded to the top 10 finishers in each Grand Prix. The current system was introduced in 2010 to reward race wins more heavily.
| Position | Points |
|---|---|
| 1st | 25 |
| 2nd | 18 |
| 3rd | 15 |
| 4th | 12 |
| 5th | 10 |
| 6th | 8 |
| 7th | 6 |
| 8th | 4 |
| 9th | 2 |
| 10th | 1 |
Fastest Lap Bonus Point
Since 2019, the driver who sets the fastest lap of the race receives 1 bonus point - but only if they finish in the top 10.
This prevents drivers far back from pitting late on fresh tires just to claim the point without racing implications.
Sprint Race Points
Selected Grand Prix weekends feature Sprint races on Saturday. Points are awarded to the top 8 finishers:
| Position | Sprint Points |
|---|---|
| 1st | 8 |
| 2nd | 7 |
| 3rd | 6 |
| 4th | 5 |
| 5th | 4 |
| 6th | 3 |
| 7th | 2 |
| 8th | 1 |
Note: There is no fastest lap bonus point in Sprint races.
Constructors' Championship
Both drivers' points count toward the Constructors' Championship. If a team has two drivers finish 1st and 3rd, they score 25 + 15 = 40 points for that race.
The Constructors' Championship determines prize money distribution and is highly valuable to teams - often worth hundreds of millions of dollars between positions.
Historical Points Systems
F1's scoring system has evolved significantly since 1950:
1950-1959
8-6-4-3-2 for positions 1-5, plus 1 point for fastest lap. Only best results counted.
1991-2002
10-6-4-3-2-1 for positions 1-6. All results counted for the first time.
2003-2009
10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 for positions 1-8. Closer gaps between positions.
2010-Present
25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1 for positions 1-10. Victory worth 2.5x second place.
Half Points
If a race is stopped early and cannot be restarted, reduced points may be awarded:
- If less than 25% of the race is completed: No points
- If 25-50% completed: Half points awarded
- If 50-75% completed: Reduced points awarded
- If over 75% completed: Full points
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points do you get for winning an F1 race?+
The race winner receives 25 points. The current F1 points system awards: 1st=25, 2nd=18, 3rd=15, 4th=12, 5th=10, 6th=8, 7th=6, 8th=4, 9th=2, 10th=1. An additional 1 point is awarded to the driver who sets the fastest lap, provided they finish in the top 10.
What is the fastest lap bonus point in F1?+
Since 2019, one bonus point is awarded to the driver who sets the fastest lap of the race, but only if that driver finishes in the top 10. A driver outside the top 10 who sets the fastest lap does not receive the bonus point.
How do constructor points work in F1?+
Constructor (team) points are the combined points of both their drivers. For example, if Driver A finishes 1st (25 pts) and Driver B finishes 3rd (15 pts), the constructor receives 40 points for that race. The constructor with the most points at the end of the season wins the Constructors' Championship.
How has the F1 points system changed over the years?+
The F1 points system has changed many times. In the 1950s, only the top 5 scored points (8-6-4-3-2). The 10-6-4-3-2-1 system was used for decades. The modern 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1 system was introduced in 2010, replacing the 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 system, to reward winning more heavily.