If you’ve ever tried to compare F1 champions from different decades, you probably hit a wall. The F1 Points System has changed a lot over the years. And that’s just one of many factors that make comparisons across eras tricky. From race formats to car reliability, the whole game has evolved.

Let’s take a deep dive into how the points system has changed, why it changed, and what it means for fans and drivers alike.

How the F1 Points System Started

Back in 1950, when Formula One held its first World Championship, the points system was very different. Only the top five finishers earned points: 8 for first place, down to 2 for fifth. There was also a bonus point for setting the fastest lap. This meant that even if you finished far behind, you could still grab a point with a single quick lap.

But don’t get too excited—only the best four results counted for the championship. So even if a driver racked up points in more races, it might not help them in the final standings. That alone makes it nearly impossible to compare champions from that time to today’s.

Dropping the Fastest Lap Point (and Bringing It Back)

Picture: SkySports

In 1960, the fastest lap point was dropped. The focus shifted to consistent race results. Over the years, the number of finishers who scored points grew. By the 1990s, points went to the top six. This version lasted through the dominant eras of Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.

Fast forward to 2019—Formula One brought the fastest lap point back. Drivers could earn an extra point if they set the fastest lap and finished in the top 10. This added a fun twist to race strategy. But not everyone liked it. Some drivers would pit late just to get a clear track and fresh tires for that one lap. From recent memory, Daniel Ricciardo did a favour to Max Verstappen in the 2024 Singaporean Grand Prix by stealing a point from Lando Norris.

By 2025, Formula One scrapped the fastest lap point again. Why? It was being exploited more than it added value to the race. This change reflects how the Formula One Points structure continues to adapt to keep racing fair and exciting.

Big Shifts Over the Decades

The most dramatic changes happened in the 2000s. In 2003, the FIA extended points to the top 8 finishers. This era also saw tighter title fights, like in 2007 when Kimi Räikkönen won the title by just one point. Then, in 2010, it changed again—now awarding points to the top 10. First place now earned 25 points instead of 10. This system helped drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton rack up massive point totals, especially with the longer race calendars.

Why such a big change? The grid was getting more competitive. With more teams and closer racing, it made sense to spread out the points. This also helped mid-field teams stay in the fight and gave fans more to cheer about.

The Double Points Debacle

Let’s not forget 2014. That year, Formula One decided that the last race would award double points. The idea was to keep the championship alive until the very end. Fans hated it. Critics said it distorted the entire season. It only lasted one year before being dropped.

This is another example of how changing the points system can completely shift how a title is won—or lost.

The Sprint Race Twist

From 2021, we started seeing sprint races added to some Grand Prix weekends. These short Saturday races awarded points to the top 8 finishers. It brought a new strategy into play. Drivers had to balance risk and reward over two days of racing, not just one.

Now, sprint points are an important part of the championship battle. And yes, they’re counted in the same F1 Points System that decides the title.

Why Comparing Records Is Tough

Picture: F1

Modern drivers race more often and can earn more points. But it’s not just the points system that’s changed. In the early years, cars broke down more often. Safety standards were lower. And there were fewer races in a season.

Take Juan Manuel Fangio. He won five titles in the 1950s with far fewer races each year. Or Jim Clark, who lost potential wins to mechanical failures that would be avoidable today. Compare that to Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen, who have reliable cars and long calendars.

Then throw in the points system changes. Older champions didn’t get points for finishing seventh or eighth. Today, those positions matter a lot. So when people say “Driver X has more career points than Driver Y,” it’s worth asking—under which system?

What the Current System Looks Like

Here’s how the current F1 Points System works (as of 2025):

• 1st: 25 points
• 2nd: 18 points
• 3rd: 15 points
• 4th: 12 points
• 5th: 10 points
• 6th: 8 points
• 7th: 6 points
• 8th: 4 points
• 9th: 2 points
• 10th: 1 point

No extra points for fastest laps. Sprint races award separate points to the top 8 finishers. That’s now part of the main standings.

Why These Changes Matter

For teams, every point can be worth millions in prize money. For drivers, it can make or break a title run. For fans, it keeps things exciting. You might see a battle for 10th place just as fierce as one for the podium. And that’s what Formula One is all about—racing at the limit, no matter the position.

These changes also shape how we talk about greatness. Would Michael Schumacher have scored more points if he raced today? Would Alain Prost win more titles with modern reliability? These are fun debates—but they also show why understanding the evolution of the points system is key.

Final Thoughts

The Formula One Points system isn’t just a scoreboard. It’s a window into how the sport has grown, adapted, and responded to fans, teams, and drivers. From five drivers scoring points in 1950 to ten today, it reflects the complexity and competitiveness of modern F1.

So the next time someone compares records across eras, remember—it’s not just about speed. It’s about the system behind the scenes.