Formula One to Eliminate Fastest Lap Bonus Point Starting 2024

Formula One to Eliminate Fastest Lap Bonus Point Starting 2024

AUSTIN: Formula One will discontinue the bonus point for the fastest lap in a race starting next year, just five years after its reintroduction, the FIA (International Motoring Federation) announced on Thursday. The bonus point, initially awarded in the 1950s and dropped before being brought back in 2019, was given if a driver posted the fastest lap and finished in the top 10.

The decision to remove the bonus point, which has had notable influence in a long season like this year’s 24-race calendar, was made ahead of the upcoming United States Grand Prix. The FIA approved this change among several updates to the 2024 and 2025 sporting and technical regulations following a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council.

Another change announced involves an increased requirement for teams to run a young driver in free practice. Previously, teams were required to give young drivers one free practice session per car each season, but this will now increase to two sessions per car.

The impact of the fastest lap bonus point was demonstrated at last month’s Singapore Grand Prix. Red Bull’s sister team, RB Racing, saw Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo pit late in the race for fresh tyres to set the fastest lap, even though he was running 18th and ineligible to score the bonus point. This strategic move, however, deprived McLaren’s Lando Norris, who was holding the fastest lap at the time, of a potentially crucial extra point in his title chase.

Norris had the fastest lap and the bonus point in hand as the race neared its conclusion. Ricciardo’s pit stop and subsequent fastest lap, although not awarding him a point due to his low race position, took the point away from Norris, showcasing the tactical complexity the rule can bring.

These changes, including the elimination of the fastest lap bonus point, aim to streamline competition and focus more on race results rather than external strategies. The young driver mandate is also seen as a positive step towards encouraging more emerging talent into the sport.

The revised regulations will come into effect starting from the 2024 season