Following the latest F1 Commission metting in London on Tuesday, it has been confirmed that the current points structure in Formula 1 will remain in place.
There had been calls by some in the sport to change it to reward every driver and team who finishes the race. In MotoGP, the top 15 riders score points over the full Grand Prix distance, and IndyCar awards points for all competitors who start a race.
However, a final decision has been made and you must continue to finish inside the top 10 to score a World Championship point on Sunday.
Championship points
“It was unanimously agreed that there would be no changes to the distribution of Championship points (as described in Articles 6.4 and 6.5 of the Sporting Regulations) following a recent proposal to consider expanding the point allocation beyond 10th place in a Grand Prix.”
There has been an increase in the minimum weight for a driver and car by 2kg. Taller drivers, such as Nico Hülkenberg, have struggled with this over the years due to their height.
Minimum weight – car and driver
“The minimum weight for the driver will be increased from 80kg to 82kg in the interests of driver well-being. As a result, the minimum weight – the mass of the car, without fuel, will be increased from 798kg to 800kg for 2025.”
2026 will see the new regulations and cars come into the sport. As they’ll be so different, the Commission confirmed that there will be nine days of pre-season testing, held in three stages.
There will also be updates to come on the sporting and technical regulations in October.
Pre-season testing for 2026
“The 2026 pre-season test plan would include nine test days, split across three test events.”
2026 Regulations
“The overall strategic objectives of the 2026 Regulations were reiterated setting out that the overriding aim is to achieve fast and closer racing that will continue to engage and excite fans.
“An update was provided on the timeline of the 2026 Regulations covering Technical, Sporting, Financial and Environmental matters and that the ongoing collaboration led by the FIA with all the teams was on track to meet the objectives and moving in the right direction for the finalisation of the regulations.
“Following further discussions during upcoming Technical and Sporting Advisory committees, an update on the 2026 Regulations relating to sporting and technical regulations will be presented at the World Motor Sport Council on October 17.
“An extraordinary F1 Commission meeting will take place on October 2 to discuss 2026 matters.”
Finally, who is missing work because of maternity/paternity leave or is out sick, those payments will not be included in the cost cap.
Financial Regulations
It was confirmed that costs relating to maternity/paternity leave, sick leave, and team entertainment should remain excluded from the perimeter of the cost cap.
