F1 teams unanimously reject points system expansion for 2025
Formula 1 teams have unanimously rejected proposals to expand the points-scoring positions beyond 10th place for the 2025 season. The decision comes as the competitive landscape has shifted, with more teams regularly scoring points under the current system.
Formula 1's long-standing points system will remain unchanged for the 2025 season after teams unanimously voted against proposed alterations during Tuesday's FIA F1 Commission meeting in London.
The decision comes after several months of deliberation sparked by midfield teams pushing to revisit the current structure, which awards points to the top 10 finishers.
Initially driven by concerns over a clear split between the top five and bottom five teams at the start of the 2024 season, the proposal aimed to extend points-paying positions to as low as 12th or 14th place.
FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis, who attended the meeting alongside F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and representatives from all 10 teams, confirmed the outcome in a statement:
"It was unanimously agreed that there would be no changes to the distribution of championship points following a recent proposal to consider expanding the point allocation beyond 10th place in a Grand Prix."
Shifting competitive landscape
The initial rationale for expanding the points system has been largely undermined by the evolving competitive order in 2024.
Teams like RB and Haas have consistently outperformed the struggling Aston Martin outfit, which began the year as the fifth-fastest team.
This shift has created more opportunities for lower-ranked teams to score points under the current system.
Notably, Sauber remains the only team yet to score points this season, further weakening the argument for a broader points distribution.
The increased competitiveness across the grid has effectively addressed the concerns that originally sparked the proposal.
Additional commission decisions
While the points system will remain static, the F1 Commission did agree to other changes for the 2025 season.
In a move aimed at promoting driver well-being, the minimum weight allocation for drivers will increase from 80kg to 82kg.
Consequently, the minimum car weight will also rise by 2kg, from 798kg to 800kg.
The Commission also addressed cost cap considerations, deciding to maintain the exclusion of costs related to maternity/paternity leave, sick leave, and team entertainment from the cap.
This decision comes amid broader discussions about potentially raising the cost cap to around $220 million while bringing more elements under its purview.
Looking ahead to 2026
With the 2025 regulations now settled, attention is turning to the crucial 2026 season, which will see the introduction of new power units and significant chassis changes.
The FIA provided teams with an update on the timeline for finalizing the 2026 chassis regulations, which are still being fine-tuned to accommodate the demands of the revised power units.
An extraordinary F1 Commission meeting focused on the 2026 rules has been scheduled for October 2nd, preceding a World Motor Sport Council meeting two weeks later.
In preparation for the sweeping changes, teams will be granted nine pre-season test days in 2026, split across three three-day winter tests.
Comments ()