In a significant shift for Formula 1, the World Motor Sports Council (WMSC) has announced the abolishment of the fastest lap point from the 2025 season onwards.

This move marks a major change in how the sport awards points, as the additional point previously awarded to the driver who set the fastest lap during a race will no longer be part of the scoring system.

Introduced in 2009, the fastest lap point was designed to encourage drivers to push for the fastest time even in the later stages of a race.

The rule stated that a driver who set the fastest lap, provided they finished within the top 10, would receive an additional point. This rule rewarded not only strategic driving but also added an extra layer of excitement for fans and teams alike.

However, the WMSC’s decision to remove this point has sparked widespread debate. Proponents of the rule change argue that the sport has evolved, and the incentive to chase the fastest lap may no longer align with the competitive priorities of the teams.

In recent years, many teams have focused more on race strategy, fuel conservation, and tire management, rather than chasing the fastest lap.

The change, according to the WMSC, will allow for a more balanced focus on overall race performance rather than isolated lap times.

Critics, on the other hand, have expressed disappointment, fearing that the removal of the fastest lap point could reduce the competitive edge and excitement during the latter parts of races.

The fastest lap has often created thrilling scenarios where drivers, even those not in podium contention, have been able to make a difference in the final standings.

Additionally, some argue that it provided an important incentive for teams battling in the middle or lower parts of the grid, keeping them engaged in the race until the very end.

The change is seen as part of Formula 1’s ongoing efforts to refine the sport’s structure, ensuring that race results are more reflective of overall performance rather than isolated achievements.

The WMSC has also emphasized that the decision aligns with their broader goal of promoting fairness and encouraging more strategic thinking in the race format.

As Formula 1 heads into a new era with this significant change, the future of how points are awarded in the sport will likely continue to evolve.

The move to abolish the fastest lap point may usher in a new chapter in the competitive landscape of the sport, with drivers and teams focusing more on overall race strategies than individual lap times.