How does the F1 points system work?

Grand Prix points scale

The top ten finishers score points in the race. The winner receives 25 points, second place 18, then 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 and 1 for tenth.

One additional point is awarded for the fastest lap of the race, but only if the driver who set it finishes in the top ten. This rule encourages late-race tyre strategy without rewarding backmarkers on fresh tyres alone.

• 1st: 25 · 2nd: 18 · 3rd: 15 · 4th: 12 · 5th: 10
• 6th: 8 · 7th: 6 · 8th: 4 · 9th: 2 · 10th: 1
• Fastest lap: +1 (top ten only)

Sprint points

Sprint races award points to the top eight on a separate scale (eight down to one in recent seasons). These points add to both championships immediately.

Championship ties

If drivers or teams are tied on points at the end of the season, countback criteria apply: number of wins, then second places, and so on. This has decided titles in the past and makes every position on the road valuable even when a championship looks settled.

When half points apply

If a race is stopped before 75% of the scheduled distance is completed, half points may be awarded to classified finishers under the sporting regulations. Red-flagged races and weather-shortened events occasionally trigger this rule.