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 |
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 the fastest lap. Only a set number of a driver's best results counted toward the championship.
1960
8-6-4-3-2-1 for positions 1-6. Sixth place began scoring and the fastest-lap point was dropped. Only best results counted.
1961-1990
9-6-4-3-2-1 for positions 1-6. Only a limited number of each driver's best finishes counted (a "dropped scores" system whose exact rules — often split across the two halves of the season — varied year to year).
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.
Fastest lap bonus (2019-2024, abolished)
From 2019 to 2024 a single bonus point was awarded to the driver who set the fastest lap of the race — but only if that driver finished in the top 10, so a car far back could not pit for fresh tyres late just to steal the point. The FIA abolished the fastest-lap point from the 2025 season, and it no longer applies today.
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. There is no longer a fastest-lap bonus point — that rule was abolished from the 2025 season onward.
Is there still a fastest lap bonus point in F1?+
No. A fastest-lap bonus point existed only from 2019 to 2024: one point went to the driver who set the fastest lap of the race, but only if that driver finished in the top 10. The FIA abolished the rule for the 2025 season, so no fastest-lap bonus point is awarded today.
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.