Confirmed: championship point for fastest race lap returns to Formula 1. Confirmed: championship point for fastest race lap returns to Formula 1.

In what is a last-minute change ahead of the new season, the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council approved the motion last week with the e-vote the final hurdle to its inclusion.

This will mark the first time a point has been awarded in F1 since 1959, however, under the new regulation, the point will only be awarded if the driver who posts the fastest lap finishes inside the top 10: “Starting from this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix, one point will be awarded to the driver who achieves the fastest lap in a race, provided that driver is also classified in the top 10. A point will also be awarded to the Constructor of the driver setting the fastest lap.” – the FIA’s official website informs – “The FIA World Motor Sport Council approved this change to the 2019 Sporting Regulations at its last meeting on 7 March in Geneva, subject to the successful outcome of an e-vote by the F1 Strategy Group and the F1 Commission. This process was concluded today and unanimous approval given. The change means an extra 21 championship points can be accrued over the course of a season.”