Formula 1 points system and tie‑breakers explained
A clear guide to how drivers and teams score and rank in the championship
Formula 1 awards points to the top ten finishers in each Grand Prix. Tie‑breakers are settled by the number of wins and subsequent placings.
Key takeaways
- Points are given to the first ten finishers (25‑1)
- If totals are equal, the driver or team with most wins ranks higher
- Points are awarded on a sliding scale when a race is stopped early and less than 75% of the race distance is completed
Formula 1 awards championship points to the top ten finishers in each Grand Prix. The driver and constructor with the most points at season’s end win their respective titles, with tie‑breakers decided by race wins and subsequent placings.
How the points system works
The current system gives 25 points for a win, then 18, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 and 1 for positions two to ten. Drivers retain any points they earn even if they change teams during the season, and their previous team keeps the points scored while they were driving for it. Each team runs two cars, and both are able to score points.
Sprint races, reduced points and fastest‑lap bonuses
Full championship points are awarded only if the race leader completes 75 per cent or more of the scheduled race distance. If the leader covers between 50 per cent and 75 per cent of the distance, participants finishing in the top ten tally points. Between 25 per cent and 50 per cent, points go to the top nine. If the leader completes more than two racing laps but covers less than 25 per cent of the distance, points go to the top eight. A minimum amount of genuine racing must have taken place for any points to be given at all.
Tie‑breakers and why points matter
If drivers or teams finish level on points, the first tie‑breaker is the number of race wins. If still equal, the count of second places is considered, then third places, and so on until the tie is resolved. Points determine the World Drivers’ Championship and the World Constructors’ Championship.
What happens next
Each Grand Prix follows the same points structure.
Points awarded per finishing position in a Grand Prix
Position | Points |
|---|---|
1st | 25 |
2nd | 18 |
3rd | 15 |
4th | 12 |
5th | 10 |
6th | 8 |
7th | 6 |
8th | 4 |
9th | 2 |
10th | 1 |
Sources
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