Formula 1 transcends mere motorsport – it’s a global spectacle of engineering, strategy and speed that captures the imagination with every turn of the wheel. But beneath the surface lies a meticulously engineered system that ensures fairness and competitiveness, while providing opportunities for underdog teams and drivers to rise through the ranks. One crucial element of this system are the F1 standings, which determine both the drivers’ and constructors’ championship title.
Driver standings track the individual performances of each driver, with race results influencing the leaderboard and driving consistency crucial for a winning season. These standings are based on finishing positions, fastest lap times and noteworthy performances during each Grand Prix weekend.
A top-10 finish earns drivers a certain amount of points, with the winner taking 25 and second receiving 18. Drivers who place between 1st and 10th are awarded progressively less than a point for each position, down to just one point for the final driver. Up until the 2022 season, drivers who set the fastest lap would also receive an extra point.
While it’s never happened in 74 years of racing, were two drivers to finish the season tied on points, there would be a countback of results to determine who is crowned champion. This process is designed to ensure that a champion is chosen who deserves the title, rather than a team or driver who simply has had a good year. But even in this scenario, the teams and drivers at the bottom of the table are still fighting for a slice of the enormous prize money on offer to the championship winners.