Fastest lap point to be scrapped in 2025 after latest FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting

The fastest lap bonus point is to be dropped from the 2025 season following a meeting of the FIA's World Motor Sport Council. The council convened on Thursday with minor changes to the existing Sporting and Technical regulations being approved, as well as a restructuring of the 2026 ruleset.

Chaired by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, with members joining in person at the FIA offices in Paris and via video conference, it marked the third time the World Council had gathered in 2024 to discuss various matters.

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Changes for the 2025 season include the removal of the bonus point awarded for setting the fastest lap in a Grand Prix, along with an increase in the requirement of fielding a ‘young driver’ during free practice from once per season to twice.

Meanwhile, a “significant update” to the 2026 regulations was presented, including “a reorganisation of the way the regulations are laid out, which will be divided into thematic sections for clarity and consistency”, and is set to be concluded “in the next few months”.

The 2026 Technical Regulations, which were originally approved in June, have been subject to “extensive enhancements” in terms of aerodynamics, thanks to effective collaboration between the FIA, F1 and F1 teams.

These adjustments will lead to higher car performance “while maintaining management of the wake characteristics to promote close and exciting racing”.

A significant update has also been made to the 2026 Sporting Regulations, with the aim being “to simplify and modernise their structure”.

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Measures were introduced to regulate the energy management of the power units as well as the management of the adjustable aerodynamics (‘straight-line mode’ for low drag and ‘cornering mode’ for high downforce).

It has also been confirmed that there will be three pre-season tests of three days each for the 2026 season, to account for the new power units.

Finally, building on the experienced gained since 2021, “significant effort” has gone into simplifying the 2026 Financial Regulations with changes in the perimeter of exclusions and adjustment methodologies, and into strengthening measures available to the FIA to monitor compliance.

It was also noted that the overall level of the cost cap remains “in effect” equivalent to current levels, “while the changes to the actual number reflect the changes to exclusion and adjustment perimeter and the effect of cumulative inflation”.

Further elements to complete the 2026 regulation package are due be submitted to the World Council for approval in the coming months, while refinements to the approved sections will continue with collaboration between the FIA, F1 and F1 teams.

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“The regulation changes for Formula 1 in 2026 will ensure the sport remains financially robust and has greater road relevance, alongside the introduction of upgraded safety features that do not compromise exciting racing,” said Ben Sulayem after the meeting.

“My thanks to [F1 President & Chief Executive Officer] Stefano Domenicali for our continued partnership as we progress the first joint strategy for the future of Formula 1.”