Formula 1 announces two rule changes for 2025

The world of Formula 1 is ever-evolving with new regulations being passed every few years — and in some cases, even new rule changes. On Thursday, F1 decided to make a crucial rule change for the 2025 season.

The governing body of Formula 1, the FIA, announced that starting with the 2025 season, Formula 1 will no longer be awarding a point to the driver who sets the fastest lap of the race — a surprising change that takes away an opportunity for a driver to get a potentially crucial extra point. 

The change comes in the wake of controversy surrounding former VCARB driver Daniel Ricciardo stealing the fastest lap away from Lando Norris in the last race in Singapore. VCARB is the sister team of Red Bull, whose driver Max Verstappen is in a tight championship battle with Norris where every single point counts. So, seemingly to avoid any potential collusion between teams in the future, the FIA has decided to scrap the extra point rule. 

The bonus point for the fastest lap was only awarded if the driver finished in the top 10. So Ricciardo, who finished 18th in Singapore, did not get awarded that point, simply stealing the fastest lap away from Norris for a one-point net change. 

The rule change restores the 25-point maximum that a driver can score in a single grand prix. 

Aside from the removal of the fastest lap point, another minor change made for next year is a requirement that teams use four junior drivers in practice sessions, increasing from two. The rule states that each of the regular team drivers will have to sit out two practice sessions for a junior driver to get their chance in the car. 

This is a minor rule change, but if it helps benefit the growth and development of young drivers for the future, it seems like one that few fans will have complaints about. 

With new car and engine regulations coming in 2026, and the ever-evolving world of F1, it feels inevitable that Formula 1 decides to make further rule changes in the future.