The FIA's recent announcement that the bonus point for the fastest lap in a race will be removed from 2025 has sparked mixed reactions among Formula 1 drivers. Although this rule change, which will take effect in 2025, would follow with several adjustments in view of 2026, opinions of drivers differ as to the relevance of this decision, as reported by Motorsport. Introduced in 2019 to add spectacle and additional motivation to drivers at the end of the race, the point for the fastest lap has not always had the expected impact. Often awarded not due to pure performance, but rather based on racing circumstances, this bonus has been cited by some drivers for its random nature.
Some pilots share a critical opinion
Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) expressed his disavowal regarding the award of this point. According to him, this system was not representative of the true current performance. “I have always been of the opinion that it is not necessary, mainly because of the way it is obtained”declared Carlos Sainz. For his part, George Russell (Mercedes) pointed out that this point was often awarded to a driver who, after a difficult race, made a pit stop to put on new tires. “I always thought the point for fastest lap was a bit pointless because it was always the driver who had a difficult race who came into the pits and changed to new tires who won the extra point.Russell explained. However, some drivers believe that removing this point could reduce the intensity of the competition. Sergio Pérez, recently removed from Red Bull, was among those who appreciated the added pressure brought by chasing the fastest lap at the end of the race. “I don't really agree [avec les autres pilotes]”, declared the Mexican. “It brought a lot of things. There are races, especially when the championship is very close between the teams and the drivers, where it can really make the difference. We are talking about 24 points per season”, says Perez. A subject that continues to stir up debate within the paddock.
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To summarize
The FIA's announcement that the bonus point for the fastest lap in a race will be removed from 2025 has sparked mixed reactions among Formula 1 drivers. Drivers' opinions differ as to the relevance of this decision.
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