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Verstappen and Perez react to the change in the F1 points system for 2025
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have different views on the FIA's decision to remove the fastest lap bonus point for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Verstappen isn't fussed about the change, while Perez is sorry to see it go.
Currently, a driver who finishes inside the top ten and sets the fastest lap of the race picks up a bonus point in the World Championship. A driver from outside the top ten can still secure the fastest lap in the race but will not get an extra point for it. That was the case last time out in Singapore when Daniel Ricciardo pinched the point from Lando Norris in the closing stages of the race. This means Norris has a 52-point deficit rather than a 51-point gap that he wants to bridge.
The FIA confirmed on Thursday that the fastest lap point will no longer be available next season. This means the maximum number of points a driver can score in one single Grand Prix will be 25 instead of 26.
What does Verstappen think about losing the fastest lap point
Verstappen was asked if the decision was a big loss for him. "Not really, I think. If it would have stayed, also fine. But for me, that doesn't really matter a lot," the 27-year-old driver said in the paddock. Unlike the reigning world champion, though, his team-mate is very sorry that the FIA took away the extra point. "I don't really agree," Perez said.
"I think it gave a lot. There were races where, especially if the championship is pretty tight between teams, between drivers, that could really make a difference. You're talking about 24 points a season. So yes, I don't know why it changed. I just felt like it was quite good," the Guadalajara-based driver concluded.
This article has been created in collaboration with Estéban den Toom
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17 October 2024
