Formula 1 to introduce point for fastest lap in the 2019 season
By Asher Fair
Beginning in the 2019 season, one point is set to be awarded to the driver who records the fastest lap time in each Formula 1 race.
The 1959 Formula 1 season is the most recent season during which an extra point was awarded to the driver who recorded the fastest lap time in a race, but 60 years later, that is set to change.
Beginning in the 21-race 2019 season, the driver who records the fastest lap time in each race is set to be awarded an additional point. This plan was approved by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
The Formula 1 points scoring system has not changed in any way since after the 2009 season. From the 2003 season to the 2009 season, eight drivers received points after each race. That changed to 10 drivers in the 2010 season, and it has not changed since.
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From the 2003 season through the 2009 season, race winners received 10 points while second place finishers received eight points, third place finishers received six points, fourth place finishers received five points, fifth place finishers received four points, sixth place finishers received three points, seventh place finishers received two points and eighth place finishers received one point.
Now, race winners receive 25 points while second place finishers receive 18 points, third place finishers receive 15 points, fourth place finishers receive 12 points, fifth place finishers receive 10 points, sixth place finishers receive eight points, seventh place finishers receive six points, eight place finishers receive four points, ninth place finishers receive two points and 10th place finishers receive one point.
As a result, recording the fastest lap time in a Formula 1 race is worth the points equivalent of finishing a race in 10th place.
An extra point was awarded to the driver who recorded the fastest lap time in a race from the first season of the Formula 1’s existence, the 1950 season, through the 1959 season, meaning that the 2019 season is set to be the 11th season in the sport’s history during which this extra point is awarded.
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Do you approve of Formula 1‘s new rule to award an additional point to the driver who records the fastest lap of each race? The 2019 season is scheduled to get underway next Sunday, March 17 with the Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit in Melbourne, Australia, so be sure to tune in to ESPN at 1:10 a.m. ET for the live broadcast of this race. To see the full 2019 schedule, click here.