F1 Points System:
How Drivers Win the Title
You don't have to win the race to score points. Here is exactly how the scoring works for the 2026 season.
Do all drivers get points?
No. Only the top 10 finishers score points. If you finish 11th or lower, you get zero points. This makes the battle for 10th place extremely intense, as it is the difference between scoring and coming home with nothing.
The Top 10 Score Points
In every Grand Prix, points are awarded to the first 10 drivers to cross the finish line.
| Position | Points |
|---|---|
| 1st (Winner) | 25 |
| 2nd | 18 |
| 3rd | 15 |
| 4th | 12 |
| 5th | 10 |
| 6th | 8 |
| 7th | 6 |
| 8th | 4 |
| 9th | 2 |
| 10th | 1 |
Why is P11 the worst place to finish? Because you drove the entire race distance, beat 9 other drivers, and missed out on scoring a point by less than a second. It is the most frustrating result in racing.
Is there a point for Fastest Lap?
No. As of 2025, the bonus point for Fastest Lap has been removed.
Previously, drivers in the top 10 could earn an extra point for setting the fastest lap time. This rule was scrapped to prevent teams from pitting late in the race purely to "steal" a point from a rival, which was seen as artificial.
Why do points matter so much?
For drivers, points mean glory. The driver with the most points becomes World Champion.
For teams, points mean money. The "Constructors' Championship" standings determine how much prize money each team receives from Formula 1's revenue. The difference between finishing 9th and 10th can be worth over $10 million.
Sprint Race Points
Sprint races are shorter (100km) and offer fewer points. Only the top 8 score:
- 1st: 8 Points
- 2nd: 7 Points
- ...down to 8th: 1 Point.
What happens if there is a tie?
If two drivers end the season with the exact same number of points, the title goes to the driver with the most race wins.
If they have the same number of wins, it goes to the one with the most 2nd places, then 3rd places, and so on. This is called "Countback".