In recent weeks, there has been intense discussion about extending the points-scoring positions beyond the top 10, aiming to give more teams a genuine motivation to fight for positions beyond the tenth place. With five leading teams, it has become increasingly challenging for second-tier teams to enter the points-scoring positions, as evidenced by this season’s start.
At the last F1 Commission meeting, the proposal to extend the points-scoring positions to the twelfth place, adding two positions compared to the current distribution, was evaluated. However, no consensus was reached during that meeting, as it was deemed necessary to have further discussions.
In the last hours, it has emerged that this delay, as well as the inability of the teams to reach a common solution, is related to the possibility of extending the points-scoring positions beyond the twelfth place, potentially up to the last position.
Discussing the latest developments, Williams Team Principal James Vowles explained that the question arises whether it makes sense to stop at the twelfth position: “We have 10 very strong teams, and this year we have seen fantastic battles even in the midfield, with ten cars fighting within a few tenths.”
“As you know, for us, our pole position is currently the eleventh position. Our victory is to at least finish eleventh. We think it’s a fantastic battle. We want to explain it to the fans. We want to explain it to our partners, and we believe that points will also give value to the eleventh position, which is a victory for us today. So we are in favor of extending the points system. I think changing the points distribution is reasonable, but we have questioned how far we should go. P12, P14, P16, or all cars, basically,” James Vowles added during the press conference.
However, even though a solution that satisfies everyone has not been reached yet, it seems that there is currently a common ground among the teams, namely that changing the points distribution could be a good idea.
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According to Mike Krack, since the Formula 1 audience has changed in recent years, it is right to consider making a radical change in how points are distributed. “I believe the system needs to be reviewed. We also have a new fan base. We are no longer the purists we have been for many years. So, I think it’s really time to take a look at this aspect. Personally, I believe there is always something to fight for, wherever you are.”
“I think the F1 Commission has reached a good consensus in saying that changes need to be made, but we must not rush because we don’t want to change it again later. So, I think it’s important to reflect well on this point and then discuss some different proposals next time,” added the Aston Martin Team Principal, explaining why a consensus has not yet been reached among the various teams.
Although criticisms have been raised that extending the points-scoring positions will make it too easy to earn points, possibly reducing the competition for the better positions, according to Zak Brown, the choice to reward all twenty drivers could be a good solution: “I think when points come into play, every overtake becomes even more important. Sometimes cars retire, save something on the car in terms of component wear because they are out of the points. This change in points distribution would eliminate this tactic.”
“If a faster car ends up at the back, every overtake will be important. So, I think there is a case to be made for giving points to the entire grid, and certainly not just to twelve drivers. But I think, as James Vowles said, we need to make this change only once, not keep changing it. That’s what we decided in the F1 Commission, to proceed with a scoring review, and I think all the teams were in agreement,” added the McLaren CEO.
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