How Does the F1 Points System Work?

The Formula 1 points system is used to decide which driver and constructor earn championship honors at the end of the season. 

For F1 drivers, there are three avenues to earning points: grand prix’s, sprint races and earning the fastest lap. 

How Does the F1 Points System Work? 

The easiest path for drivers earning points is by finishing P10 or better in one of the 24 grand prix’s on the F1 schedule. 

The points scale for the grand prix is rather simple: drivers earn more points the better they finish in the race. 

By winning the race (P1), a driver earns 25 points. For comparison, a driver that finishes P10 – the last spot that awards points – earns only one point. 

Here’s the breakdown for points by finishing position. 

Drivers can also earn points in the F1 sprint races, of which there are five in 2025. 

Read More: F1 Sprint Races: Format & Schedule in 2025

These races award fewer points due to the fact they feature fewer laps, but the points count toward both world championships. 

In a sprint race, the driver who finishes P1 earns only eight points with points awarded to only drivers that finish P8 or better. 

The final method for drivers to earn points is by driving the fastest lap in one of the 24 grand prix’s. 

The driver who completes the fastest lap of the race earns one world championship point. This point is also assigned to his constructor. 

How Do F1 Constructors Earn Points? 

F1 teams are composed of two drivers. Constructors simultaneously earn the points their drivers earn via one of the three aforementioned methods. 

For example, the 2024 McLaren team featured Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. 

At the 2024 British Grand Prix, Norris and Piastri finished P3 and P4, respectively. Those positions award 15 and 12 points, respectively, so McLaren earns 27 points as a team. 

These points are used to determine the winner of the constructor’s championship, which honors the team whose drivers earn the most points.