F1 plans to introduce a point for fastest lap in 2019
- Published on 07 Mar 2019 11:04
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- By: Coilin Higgins
It is understood that Formula 1 is looking to introduce awarding a point for fastest lap in 2019. The idea is believed to be an attempt to spice up the racing and give drivers more of a reason to push during races.
The idea is to be presented ahead of the FIA World Motor Sport Council today in Geneva. If approved, the motion will then move on to the F1 Strategy Group for final approval.
It is also understood that Liberty Media wanted to introduce a point for pole position, but decided against this idea in fear of taking away and championship battles that may happen during Sunday's race.
Formula 1 originally awarded a point for fastest lap between 1950 and 1959 with Maurice Trintignant being the last driver to be awarded for fastest lap at the US Grand Prix sixty years ago.
There has been controversy over the idea in other motorsports before, such as when Sebastien Buemi claimed the Season 2 Formula E title in the final round in London from rival Lucas DiGrassi by setting the fastest lap after the pair collided on the first lap.
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Replies (12)
Login to replyLightIsRight
Posts: 113
Right, so every driver in 11th position and down will be pitting in the last 2 or so laps to strap on C5's and knock out a quick lap in the hopes of 1 point? Okay, that could be entertaining!
LightIsRight
Posts: 113
Or in fact any top 10 driver that has a large enough lead to afford them a pit stop without losing a place. But still, this seems like a ploy to give points to midfield teams....
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
It probably is a ploay to get the mid-rear more points to play with, and I'm all for this. It's a sound idea, so let's give it a go.
Hepp
Posts: 200
I am not for this. If they must ... then make it the fastest 5 consecutive laps.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Or 3, or maybe fastest on more than one compound. If we had many laps, we'd all know only two teams would likely apply for about 95% of them, eliminating the point of it.
Hepp
Posts: 200
So the team would have to save a set of softs for Fastest lap point, compromising FP running, and perhaps Qually.
Hepp
Posts: 200
Someone please explain the term "Gimmicky" to Mr. Carey.
f1dave
Posts: 782
More unnecessary BS, just race!
Ram Samartha
Posts: 1,172
Yep. It could make for some entertaining final laps but it would be a shame if it affected the championship.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
That is a concern I have aswell. In theory, it should affect the championship, that's kinda what points are there for, but it should be there as a pretty small sum of points the drivers in the midfield can grab to help out in the mid. They'd need to be very careful with how they implement this.
Pistonhead
Posts: 556
A good idea for me. I understand every point means millions, so why not? I doubt we will see material shifts in champs standing, so its something else for the viewers to get excited by and maybe for a lower ranked team/driver ti showcase ability on a total balls-out lap. Thumbs-up from me.
f1ski
Posts: 726
I like it. The points should only be for the drivers championship.