Yesterday the F1 Commission met. On the agenda is the modification of the current regulations that regulate the assignment of points in the weekend of competition. In recent decades the system has been modified several times, expanding the useful positions to earn precious points and increase the quantity on a scheme quite similar to the MotoGP. Once upon a time, achieving a points finish was truly a feat, given that only the top six classified were given the lengths to move up the rankings and there was no additional point for the fastest lap.
We are talking about an era in which reaching the finish line was a real feat. The number of teams entered in the world championship was higher and the gap among the top team and the rest of the competitors were undoubtedly huge. There F1 modern is practically limited in number. Any expression of interest from new entities is seen as a threat. A danger that undermines the economic balance achieved by the 10 team in the distribution of the huge revenues guaranteed by FOM. The reliability of the single-seaters has reached category levels enduranceto the point that a technical nuisance has become a rare commodity.
Furthermore, although the performance level is quite grainy, it is rare for a car to be lapped one or more times at the end of the race. leader of the race. In this context, assigning points to a greater number of drivers/cars who finish the race is practically an anachronistic exercise. In fact, it was proposed to provide points up to twelfth position, counting the twenty single-seaters entered in the world championship. If all the F1 cars finished the race, 60% of them would score points, basically.
Consequently, even the fastest lap would award the additional point, only to the driver/team who finished in the first twelve positions. A correct measure from a meritocratic point of view? Absolutely not. First of all, the achievement of world championship points should be recognition for those who accomplish a sporting feat and not “pocket money” for the team which fluctuate in a mediocrity that is nevertheless fruitful in terms of scores and consequently income at the end of the year. A scenario that would probably increase the struggle for those who are used to being in the second part of the lineup.
F1, changes to the scoring system close to approval
The real motivation behind the proposal for a new scoring criterion in F1 is the gap between the top 5 team who command the ranking and those who usually compete for back-up positions. Making the points zone bigger up to place number 12, therefore, would increase the chances of being able to see more cars fighting at the back, making the weekends more spectacular, objective always at the center of Liberty Media’s thoughts. A provision that would allow these teams to push the drivers even more to fight in the “midfield”. In the current competitive campaign, after five round Alone team they didn’t score any points. These are: Alpine, Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber And Williams.
Half of the grid that makes up F1 2024 has collected just 12 points in five Grands Prix and one sprint race compared to the 546 points up for grabs. In order to endorse the new scoring system for next season, 5 teams out of 10 participants must be in favor of the new discipline. At least half, therefore. At the moment there are several teams that have already said they are in favor of approving the innovation. In addition to the smaller teams, yes Ferrari That Red Bullin the second case to protect the interests of VCARBseem to be inclined towards this possibility.
However, on the sidelines of the meeting of F1 commission, the much desired “square” has not yet been found. As reported on the official website of FIA, the members of the special commission discussed a proposed change to the distribution of points in the championship, as described in articles 6.4 and 6.5 of the sporting regulations. It was agreed, at least for the moment, that to support the hypothesis, further analysis of the suggested changes was still necessary, in view of a new proposal to be presented at the meeting of the F1 Commissionscheduled for next July.
Author and graphics: Roberto Cecere – @robertofunoat
Images: F1
