P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The FIA has announced that the additional bonus point which was handed to the driver with the fastest lap in a Formula 1 race will be removed from the 2025 season. The bonus point was introduced in 2019 as an attempt to avoid races being dull in the closing laps when the gaps between the […]
The bonus point system was implemented in 2019 to prevent races from becoming uneventful in the final laps when the leading cars are far apart in the standings. However, it has not significantly impacted the excitement of the races, as the bonus point usually went to a driver from a top team who could maintain a comfortable gap behind to make a pit stop. The World Motor Sport Council recently discussed this issue, and they decided to remove the bonus point system at the end of the current season. This will bring back the points structure used from 2010 to 2018, where the race winner could earn a maximum of 25 points. Additionally, the FIA announced that starting in 2025, teams will be required to provide rookie drivers with practice opportunities on four occasions during the season. Each regular driver will have to skip two FP1 sessions next season to allow a driver with limited F1 experience to take part, effectively doubling the track time available to newcomers during race weekends.