In a move that has sparked widespread reactions across the Formula 1 community, the FIA, the sport’s governing body, has announced a surprising rule change for the 2025 season. The bonus point awarded to the driver who sets the fastest lap during the race will be removed, marking a significant departure from a regulation that has been in place since 2019.
The fastest lap bonus point was initially introduced to add an extra layer of strategy to the race, rewarding drivers for pushing the limits until the very end. The rule allowed any driver finishing within the top 10 to claim an additional point if they set the fastest lap, often resulting in late-race pit stops by drivers trying to secure the bonus.
However, controversy surrounding the rule in recent times has pushed the FIA to reconsider its impact on the championship. Notably, in the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, Daniel Ricciardo, who was subsequently removed from his team, set the fastest lap late in the race, ultimately snatching the point from McLaren’s Lando Norris. This move indirectly helped Max Verstappen, Ricciardo's former Red Bull teammate, in the title race, raising eyebrows and drawing attention to the fairness of the rule.
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Following a meeting of the World Motorsport Council in Paris, the FIA decided to officially eliminate the fastest lap point from the 2025 season. The decision comes as part of broader minor changes in the Sporting and Technical regulations. The official FIA statement reads: “Minor changes for 2024 and 2025 Sporting and Technical regulations were approved by the World Council, including the removal of the point awarded for setting the fastest lap.”
In addition to scrapping the fastest lap point, the FIA also approved another notable change aimed at encouraging the development of young drivers. From Austin 2024 onwards, teams will be required to field a rookie driver in two free practice sessions (FP1) per season, up from the current requirement of just one. This adjustment aims to provide more opportunities for young talent to gain experience in a competitive environment.
The 2025 season is shaping up to be an intriguing one as the FIA continues to tweak regulations to maintain fairness and improve the racing spectacle. With these new rules set to take effect, the dynamics of how teams strategize towards the end of races could shift dramatically. F1 fans and teams alike will be closely watching how these changes impact the competition.
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