Formula One Points scoring system
The F1 points scoring system was put in place to ensure the winner of the championship at the end of the season. The winner of the race would get maximum points, the driver that would finish second and third and so on would get incrementally lesser points. At the end of the season, the driver with the maximum points would win the championship.
The Current Formula One points scoring system
In the current points scoring system the driver that wins the race gets 25 points. The driver that finishes second gets 18 points. The complete scoring system is as follows:
1st: 25 points
2nd: 18 points
3rd: 15 points
4th: 12 points
5th: 10 points
6th: 8 points
7th: 6 points
8th: 4 points
9th: 2 points
10th: 1 point
An extra 1 point is awarded to the driver that does the fastest lap of the race, only if he finishes the race in the points-paying position(from 1 to 10).
Both the constructors' and drivers' championship is decided on the basis of the points scoring system.
The points scoring system has seen multiple changes throughout the history of F1. Until 1990, only a certain number of best results from the driver were included in the championship but after 1990 all the results would be added to the championship.
From 1991 to 2002, points were awarded up to 6th place in the race. Further changes introduced in 2003 meant that points were to be awarded until 8th position.
In 2010, further change in regulations meant that points were to be awarded until 10th position.
The points system has more or less remained constant except for one addition where an added 1 point is given to the driver that does the fastest lap of the race if he finished the race in the top 10 positions.
Lewis Hamilton holds the record for the most points scored in Formula One with Sebastian Vettel, 2nd in the standings.
