How Many Points For Winning F1 Grand Prix

Every Formula 1 race is a high-stakes battle where split-second decisions, engineering excellence, and driver skill converge—not just for the thrill of victory on the track, but also for the vital championship points. In the 2025 season, understanding the points system is key to appreciating how every race impacts the drivers’ and teams’ championship campaigns. So, how many points does a driver get for winning an F1 Grand Prix?

The Basics of the F1 Points System

Since its introduction, the F1 points system has been designed to reward race performance while ensuring that consistency throughout the season is just as valuable as a single race win. The current structure, which has been in place for several seasons and remains unchanged in 2025, awards points to the top 10 finishers as follows:

1st Place: 25 points

2nd Place: 18 points

3rd Place: 15 points

4th Place: 12 points

5th Place: 10 points

6th Place: 8 points

7th Place: 6 points

8th Place: 4 points

9th Place: 2 points

10th Place: 1 point

This format is designed to create a competitive environment where every position on the podium—and even just finishing in the points—can make a significant difference over the course of the championship.

Winning the Race: 25 Points and More

For a driver who wins an F1 Grand Prix, the base reward is 25 points. However, the race’s strategic nuances mean there’s an opportunity to earn even more:

The Fastest Lap Bonus

Additional Point: If the winning driver also sets the fastest lap during the race, they receive an extra point.

Condition: This bonus is only awarded if the driver finishing in the top 10 (which, for a race winner, is always the case).

So, if a driver wins the race and secures the fastest lap, they can pocket a total of 26 points from that Grand Prix.

Why These Points Matter

The allocation of points in F1 is more than just a tally—it shapes team strategies and influences how drivers approach each race:

Championship Battles: With races spread over a long season, every point is critical. A 25-point win can build a significant gap between championship rivals.

Strategic Decisions: Teams might push for the fastest lap to secure that extra point, which can be a game-changer in tight championship battles.

Consistency Over Time: While a single win is lucrative, consistent points finishes are often the backbone of a championship-winning campaign.

The 2025 Perspective

For the 2025 season, the FIA has maintained this points structure, emphasizing both the importance of outright race victories and the bonus for fastest laps. Recent updates to regulations have focused on driver safety, technological advancements, and competitive balance, but the points system remains a cornerstone of the sport’s competitive framework.

The continuity of this system reflects Formula 1’s commitment to rewarding excellence on the track while ensuring that every race remains a crucial part of the championship narrative.

Conclusion

In summary, winning an F1 Grand Prix in 2025 rewards a driver with 25 points, with the potential to earn an extra point by setting the fastest lap—bringing the total to 26 points. This system not only highlights the thrill of victory but also underpins the strategic depth and long-term planning required to win the championship. As each race unfolds, these points accumulate, weaving the rich tapestry of competition that defines Formula 1.