Elimination of the Extra Point for Fast Lap: A Strategic Turn in F1

The meeting of the World Motor Sports Council took place this Thursday in Paris, where key decisions were made for the 2025 season, as well as the new regulations that will come into force for the 2026 season.

The most controversial decision is that, starting next season, the extra point awarded to the driver who sets the fastest lap and finishes within the top ten will be eliminated.

Photo: Motorsports 

This extra point was introduced in 2019 as a measure to encourage action on the track, rewarding with an additional point the drivers who achieved the fastest lap and finished in the top ten, thus highlighting their speed.

The elimination of this point is due to its strategic use by the pilots, which on several occasions was decisive in the fight for the titles. An example of this was seen in the Singapore Grand Prix, when Daniel Ricciardo snatched the fastest lap from Lando Norris, benefiting Max Verstappen in the dispute for the drivers' championship.

Additionally, in several races it was observed how drivers outside the top 10 made stops in the last laps to change tires and get the fastest lap, preventing the drivers within the top ten from adding that extra point.

Another of the points approved by the World Motor Sports Council was the increase to two mandatory free practice sessions during the season, in which young  drivers can participate. Currently, it is only mandatory to have one session of this type per season.

On the other hand, three pre-season tests, each lasting three days, will be introduced for the 2026 season. The objective is to evaluate the new regulations for the single-seaters and ensure that their operation is adequate. Additionally, Improvements to the aerodynamic regulations of the Formula 1 technical regulations will be expanded for the 2026 season. The FIA ​​informs through an official statement.