Formula One teams are scheduled to discuss a proposal to extend the points-scoring positions from 10th down to 12th place for the upcoming season. The matter is on the agenda of the virtual F1 commission meeting, which includes the governing FIA and the commercial rights holder. To pass, the proposal requires support from six of the 10 teams. Some larger teams have indicated that they will not block the proposal. According to Christian Horner, boss of champions Red Bull, Formula One currently has two distinct groups: the top five teams and the teams from six to ten, who are engaged in a fierce battle for points. Horner expressed his neutrality on the proposal unless it involves paying points money. The current scoring system, implemented since 2010, awards points to the top 10 finishers in a 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1 sequence. The proposal aims to change this to a 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 sequence. Prior to 2003, only the top six finishers scored points. After five races this season, three teams have yet to score any points, while Red Bull-owned AlphaTauri has only seven points and Haas has five points. The top teams are in a league of their own, with Red Bull dominating with 195 points and even fifth-placed Aston Martin having 40 points. If points were extended to 11th and 12th place finishers, every team would have scored points, with Sauber and Renault-owned Alpine both on two points and Williams on five points. Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur, who previously worked at Sauber when the team raced as Alfa Romeo, expressed his support for the proposal. He noted that teams can perform well but finish outside the points due to the lack of retirements ahead of them. Vasseur believes that the current points system does not fairly reward teams in the midfield and at the back of the grid, given the high level of competition among the top teams and the reliability of their cars. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu also expressed support for the proposal, stating that having three teams with no points is not beneficial for the sport. Drivers have varying opinions on the matter. Some, like Haas driver Kevin Magnussen, believe that spreading the points more evenly would make the races more exciting for the bottom five teams. Others prefer more radical changes, such as awarding points to all finishers. The proposal to extend the points-scoring positions is intended to make the races more competitive for teams in the midfield and at the back of the grid. It would provide these teams with an opportunity to earn points and reward their efforts. The outcome of the discussion on Thursday will determine whether the proposal will be implemented for the upcoming season.
Formula One Teams to Consider Extending Points-Scoring Positions
