FIA's fastest lap point removal divides drivers: 'Really made a difference'
F1 News
Formula 1 drivers have been left divided by the FIA's decision to scrap the fastest lap point. Last time out in Singapore, Daniel Ricciardo, in his last race for Red Bull's junior team VCARB, controversially stole the fastest lap point away from race-winner Lando Norris. A few drivers were asked for their opinion regarding the decision to get rid of the extra point in the paddock, and this is how they responded.
Since its sudden introduction in 2019, drivers could add an extra point to their tally if they finished in the top 10 with the fastest lap. Every point scored matters, even at the sharp end of the table, and discussions began after the Singapore Grand Prix: Was it fair to have a point stolen away? In the paddock, some drivers were quizzed on the rule change, and it's clear that, like the fans, they are divided.
Leclerc: 'It's good it's been taken off'
Charles Leclerc is glad that the fastest lap point has been removed. The Ferrari driver, who has won twice this season, believes that securing the point came down to luck. "I don't think that's a bad thing. Honestly, I've always felt like this point was very superficial because it always depends on your race situation, and it wasn't really rewarding a particular skill, in a way, because it was more about finding yourself in a lucky position where you could pit stop and do that fastest lap, so I think it's good that it's been taken off."
Russell: 'It was pointless'
George Russell, similarly, feels like the fastest lap point rewarded poorer performances. "I always thought the point for fastest lap was a bit pointless because it would always be the driver who was having a tough race, and the top ten would pit, put new tyres on and gain the extra point. So I never really saw the benefit of that, so I'm sort of glad to see that's gone."
Perez: 'It could really make a difference'
On the other hand, Red Bull's Sergio Perez feels like the fastest lap point was healthy for the sport. With its loss, there'll be fewer points on offer for drivers and teams. "I don't really agree. 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. When you go for it at the end of the race, and it's quite a lot of pressure for the mechanics to deliver the right stop for you to deliver the right lap. So yes, I don't think it was the best move there."
Piastri: 'Won't change the world for me'
Oscar Piastri-in his typical relaxed manner-isn't bothered by the removal of the point. It won't change anything for the Australian, as he explains. "I don't mind either way, really. I think it takes away from any kind of games that can be played. I'm not saying the games have been played in the past, but it just removes any doubt of it, and I think a lot of the time, we kind of saw that if there's a dominant car, then that car just goes and gets an extra point for fastest lap as well. So it doesn't always bring some kind of benefit to the other cars. So, for me, I think it's absolutely fine to get rid of that again. Won’t change the world for me."
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