39→ Formula 1
How F1 points are awarded
Pick race or sprint and a finishing place to see the points. If the race was cut short by rain or a crash, move the distance and you get the scale that applies.
Points for 1st in the race25
A race finished in 1st pays 25 points.
The whole scale of this race
The rules behind it
- Race: points from 1st to 10th; full scale when the leader completes at least 75% of the distance.
- Shorter races use smaller scales, with cuts at 25%, 50% and 75% of the distance.
- Sprint: points from 1st to 8th, only if the leader completes 50% of the distance.
- No points at all unless the leader completes 2 laps without safety car.
- Tie (dead heat): the points of the shared places are added up and split equally.
Source: FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations.
The scales
| Case | Points from 1st down |
|---|---|
| Race with 75% or more | 25, 18, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 1 |
| Race between 50% and 75% | 19, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 3, 2, 1 |
| Race between 25% and 50% | 13, 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 |
| Race under 25% | 6, 4, 3, 2, 1 |
| Sprint with 50% or more | 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 |
Distance completed by the leader. FIA sporting regulations.
Three rules that confuse people
- Minimum lapsIf the leader does not complete 2 laps in a row without a safety car (or virtual safety car), nobody scores.
- Short sprintA sprint pays points only if the leader completes at least 50% of the distance.
- Dead heatThe points of the shared places are added and split: two cars tied for the win get 21.5 each.
Keep going
Questions
How many points does winning an F1 race give?
25 for a full race. A sprint gives the winner 8.
How many drivers score points?
The top 10 in a race and the top 8 in a sprint.
What happens if a race is suspended?
It depends on how much the leader completed: less distance means a smaller scale. Under 2 laps in a row without a safety car, nobody scores.