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The bonus point for fastest lap is no longer part of Formula 1. After six seasons of implementing the rule, the decision has been made to no longer reward the driver who sets the quickest time over a single lap during a race.
F1 initially claimed that this rule would add excitement to the races. However, the question remains: did it actually enhance the action or was it just a complicated distraction? And was the decision to drop the rule the right move for F1?
Out of the 128 grands prix that have taken place since the rule’s introduction, there have been 10 instances where the fastest lap bonus point sparked debate – including a particular incident that led to the rule being scrapped.
2019 Australian Grand Prix
Fastest lap bonus: Valtteri Bottas
In 2019, the introduction of the fastest lap bonus point allowed teams to potentially earn a maximum of 44 points from a race. Mercedes immediately took advantage of this new rule, with Valtteri Bottas securing the bonus point as he dominated the race, finishing 20 seconds ahead of Lewis Hamilton.
Team principal Toto Wolff had instructed both drivers not to push for the fastest lap, but they ignored his orders. This led to speculation before the race about teams pitting their drivers for fresh tires to chase the bonus point.
2019 Spanish Grand Prix
Fastest lap bonus: Lewis Hamilton
By the fifth round of the season, Mercedes had changed their tune and allowed their drivers to go for the fastest lap bonus point. In Spain, Lewis Hamilton claimed the point following a late restart, with Bottas instructed to maintain pace behind him.
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2021 Monaco Grand Prix
Fastest lap bonus: Lewis Hamilton
Hamilton pushed for the fastest lap in Monaco, emphasizing the importance of the extra point to his team. Despite initial hesitation, Mercedes eventually pitted him for fresh tires, allowing him to secure the point on a challenging day.
2021 Dutch Grand Prix
Fastest lap bonus: Lewis Hamilton
Hamilton initially claimed the fastest lap point in the Dutch Grand Prix, but Bottas managed to snatch it away briefly before Hamilton reclaimed it after his pit stop. This incident highlighted the competitive nature of chasing the fastest lap.
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2021 Mexican Grand Prix
Fastest lap bonus: Valtteri Bottas
In the penultimate race of the 2021 season, Bottas strategically took the fastest lap bonus point from Verstappen. However, a series of tactical maneuvers from both teams showcased the intense battle for that extra point.
2022 Belgian Grand Prix
Fastest lap bonus: Max Verstappen
Ferrari’s attempt to secure the fastest lap bonus for Leclerc in Belgium backfired due to a pit lane speeding violation. This incident highlighted the challenges teams faced in trying to secure the bonus point.
2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Fastest lap bonus: Max Verstappen
During the 2023 race in Saudi Arabia, Verstappen took matters into his own hands and secured the fastest lap bonus point despite initial hesitations from his team. This incident showcased the determination of drivers in chasing the extra point.
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2023 Spanish Grand Prix
Fastest lap bonus: Max Verstappen
In Catalunya, Verstappen once again went against team advice and secured the fastest lap, emphasizing his desire for the extra point. This incident highlighted the ongoing battle between team strategy and individual driver aspirations.
2023 Austria Grand Prix
Fastest lap bonus: Max Verstappen
Verstappen successfully persuaded Red Bull to let him go for the fastest lap in Austria, showcasing the internal dynamics within teams when considering strategic decisions. This incident raised questions about the balance between team objectives and individual achievements.
2024 Singapore Grand Prix
Fastest lap: Daniel Ricciardo (did not score bonus point)
In Singapore, an incident involving Ricciardo highlighted the potential controversies around the fastest lap bonus point rule. This race ultimately played a role in the decision to remove the rule from the 2025 regulations.
Was the decision to scrap the fastest lap bonus point the right move for F1? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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