Formula 1’s official X account encouraged its followers to click on the link for the “full story” on why the series has suddenly decided to eliminate its bonus point for the fastest lap.
However, the series’ report did not provide any explanation for the decision to drop a rule that was introduced just five years ago.
The introduction of F1’s bonus point for the fastest lap was met with great enthusiasm, but its quiet removal contrasts starkly with the initial excitement. Ross Brawn, F1’s managing director for motorsport at the time, had previously promised that it would “improve the show while maintaining the integrity of our sport.”
Although F1 pointed out that it previously awarded a bonus point for the fastest lap from 1950 to 1959, there seems to be little concern for why the rule was deemed unnecessary and dropped for 60 years.
After the first season under the new rule, Brawn insisted that it had been “generally successful.” The championship also claimed that those who were initially skeptical about the rule had been won over.
Despite the initial skepticism from avid fans, the bonus point for the fastest lap was considered a significant addition to the championship by F1. It was even beloved by those who initially had doubts about it, but now it is being dropped without much explanation.
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RaceFans readers have consistently expressed disapproval of the rule. The drivers were also skeptical, as it added little to the competition and was ultimately deemed more trouble than it was worth.
There was no indication that F1 was going to drop the bonus point for the fastest lap prior to the last race in Singapore. The controversy surrounding winner Lando Norris losing the bonus point prompted speculation about potential ulterior motives involving Red Bull teams.
Norris remained composed at the time but hinted at the suspicious nature of RB drivers making unrewarded late bids for the fastest lap. Zak Brown, CEO of Norris’ team McLaren, has repeatedly warned about the issues arising from multiple teams sharing the same owner.
Although the FIA is F1’s regulator, F1 was the driving force behind the introduction of the bonus point for the fastest lap. While they claimed that most fans eventually embraced the rule, the feedback from our audience remained consistently negative.
The sudden removal of the bonus point for the fastest lap suggests that Liberty Media may be willing to rectify its mistakes.
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