During the Chinese Grand Prix weekend, it was revealed that F1 and the teams are considering expanding the current points-scoring positions beyond 10th place, with a proposal to extend the points allocation to 12th.
Discussions at a recent F1 Commission meeting centred on potential changes to the points system, with a consensus that more time was necessary to develop a solid plan. The key focus now is whether points should be distributed further down the grid, potentially reaching as far as 20th place.
The increased competitiveness among teams, especially evident in closer performance levels and more battles among lower-placed teams on track, has garnered strong support for the proposal from team principals.
With reliability so good as well these days, it has become increasingly harder for the smaller teams to score. There is also a clear gap between the top 5 and bottom 5 squads this year.
Williams’ team principal James Vowles commented on the proposal.
“I think changing the points is sensible, but there were just questions over where do we go? Is it P12, P14, P16, or all cars, fundamentally?
“It was a very good conversation at the F1 Commission around this, where the room was pretty much united in let’s do something that’s good for the sport. However, let’s take our time to get it right and do it once.”
Aston Martin team boss Mike Krack expressed his support of the new proposal, linking the change to the way the F1 audience had evolved in recent years.
“I think the system needs to be looked at.
“We have a new fan base also. We are not any more the purists that we were for these many years. So, I think it is really time to have a look at this. Personally, I think there always needs to be something to fight for, wherever you are.
“I think it was a good consensus in the F1 Commission to say we want to make an adjustment, but we should not rush it, because we don’t want to change it again later. So, I think it’s important that we have a good thought about it, and then we discuss some different proposals next time.”
Zak Brown, McLaren CEO, argued for awarding points to all finishers, highlighting the strategic benefits this change might add to the smaller teams.
“I think there could be an argument made for all.
“That would obviously be quite an overhaul.
“I think as soon as points come into play, it makes every pass that much more important. Sometimes cars will pull in, save some stuff on their car, wear and tear, because they’re out of the points. That would eliminate that.
“If a quicker car gets shuffled to the back, every pass counts. So, I think there’s an argument you could make for the entire grid – and certainly no less than 12.
“But I think, as James mentioned, we need to change it once and that’s what we agreed at the FIA Commission: let’s do a review. I think all the teams were in the same spot, that expanding the points is a good thing to do.”
