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F1 plans to introduce a point for fastest lap in 2019

Published on 07 Mar 2019 11:04
12
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.

Hepp

Posts: 200

Someone please explain the term "Gimmicky" to Mr. Carey.

1
Mar 7 2019 - 13:00

F1 News

Replies (12)

LightIsRight

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!
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- Mar 7 2019 - 11:55
- 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....
  + 0
  
  Mar 7 2019 - 12:42
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.
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- Mar 7 2019 - 12:58
- Hepp
  
  Posts: 200
  I am not for this. If they must ... then make it the fastest 5 consecutive laps.
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  Mar 7 2019 - 13:03
- 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.
  + 0
  
  Mar 7 2019 - 13:05
- Hepp
  
  Posts: 200
  So the team would have to save a set of softs for Fastest lap point, compromising FP running, and perhaps Qually.
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  Mar 8 2019 - 12:04
Hepp

Posts: 200
Someone please explain the term "Gimmicky" to Mr. Carey.
- + 1
- Mar 7 2019 - 13:00
f1dave

Posts: 782
More unnecessary BS, just race!
- + 1
- Mar 7 2019 - 16:09
- 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.
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  Mar 7 2019 - 17:45
- 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.
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  Mar 8 2019 - 06:52
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.
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- Mar 8 2019 - 12:09
f1ski

Posts: 726
I like it. The points should only be for the drivers championship.
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- Mar 8 2019 - 14:00