Removal Of The Fastest Lap Point

How will the removal of the fastest lap bonus point impact driver strategies in 2025??

The removal of the fastest lap bonus point for the 2025 Formula 1 season will have several significant impacts on driver strategies:

Reduced Late-Race Pit Stops

Without the incentive of an extra point, teams will likely make fewer strategic late-race pit stops solely for the purpose of attempting to set the fastest lap. This practice, which often involved drivers with a comfortable gap pitting for fresh tires in the closing laps, will no longer be necessary.

Focus on Race Position

Drivers and teams will focus more on maintaining or improving their race position rather than pursuing a fastest lap that might not impact their overall standing. This shift could lead to:

• More conservative tire management strategies

• Increased emphasis on track position and overtaking

• Less risk-taking in the final laps of the race

Simplified Race Tactics

The removal of the fastest lap point will simplify race tactics for teams. They will no longer need to factor in the potential for an extra point when making strategic decisions, allowing for more straightforward race planning.

Impact on Championship Battles

The cumulative effect of these bonus points throughout a season (potentially up to 24 points) will no longer be a factor in championship battles. This could lead to:

• Tighter point margins between drivers

• Less emphasis on single-lap pace at the end of races

• More focus on consistent race performances

Reduced Inter-Team Tactics

The change eliminates potential controversies related to team orders or inter-team cooperation for setting fastest laps. This was exemplified in the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix incident involving Daniel Ricciardo and Red Bull, which may have contributed to the decision to remove the bonus point.

Midfield Strategy Shift

For midfield teams, the removal of the fastest lap point may have less impact, as they often found it challenging to compete for this bonus due to performance limitations. However, it may allow these teams to focus more on their overall race strategy without the distraction of potentially sacrificing position for a fastest lap attempt.

In conclusion, the removal of the fastest lap bonus point is likely to streamline race strategies, reduce late-race pit stop gambles, and potentially create closer championship battles by eliminating an extra source of points that was often determined by circumstance rather than outright speed