Formula 1 is set to adopt a new points system in the circumstance where races are not able to run to full-distance.
The issue was raised at the latest F1 Commission meeting on 14 February in light of the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix. Due to torrential rain, the event was delayed for several hours and then ran for only one full lap behind the Safety Car before being called off.
Half points were awarded on that occasion, but this looks set to change under the new proposals.
It is stated that no points will be awarded unless a minimum of two laps have been completed by the leader without a Safety Car and/or Virtual Safety Car intervention.
The amount of points given for a race longer than two laps then varies depending on how much of the event has been completed.
Points system changes depending on race length
If the leader of the race has completed more than two laps but less than 25 percent of the scheduled race distance, points will be awarded to the top five finishers, with the winner receiving six points.
Points for two laps but less than 25 percent of scheduled race distance
| Position | Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | 6 |
| 2 | 4 |
| 3 | 3 |
| 4 | 2 |
| 5 | 1 |
In the circumstance where the leader has completed 25 percent but less than 50 percent of the scheduled race distance, the top nine finishers will be awarded points.
Points for completing 25 percent but less than 50 percent of scheduled race distance
| Position | Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | 13 |
| 2 | 10 |
| 3 | 8 |
| 4 | 6 |
| 5 | 5 |
| 6 | 4 |
| 7 | 3 |
| 8 | 2 |
| 9 | 1 |
If the race leader has completed 50 percent but less than 75 percent of the scheduled race distance, points will be awarded to the top 10, as is the case with a race completed to full distance. However, the amount of points given will be slightly less.
Points for completing 50 percent but less than 75 percent of scheduled race distance
| Position | Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | 19 |
| 2 | 14 |
| 3 | 12 |
| 4 | 9 |
| 5 | 8 |
| 6 | 6 |
| 7 | 5 |
| 8 | 3 |
| 9 | 2 |
| 10 | 1 |
All regulatory changes remain subject to approval by the World Motor Sport Council, which will meet on the eve of the 2022 season in Bahrain on 18 March.
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