How the F1 points system works: Grand Prix and sprint points explained
F1 awards points to the top 10 in every Grand Prix and the top 8 in sprints. Here is how drivers’ and constructors’ points add up and how ties are broken.
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By Sandro Pozar, Founder & Editor
Published 2 min read
Every Formula 1 championship is decided by points. Drivers score them for where they finish in each Grand Prix and sprint, and both of a team’s drivers’ scores are added together for the constructors’ championship. You can follow the running totals on the F1 drivers’ and constructors’ standings page.
How many points does an F1 Grand Prix win get?
The winner of a Grand Prix scores 25 points. The rest of the top 10 score on a sliding scale:
- Podium: 25 points for the win, 18 for second and 15 for third
- 4th to 6th: 12, 10 and 8 points
- 7th to 10th: 6, 4, 2 and 1 point
- 11th and lower: no points
There has been no bonus point for the fastest lap since the 2025 season, so the finishing position is all that counts.
How many points does an F1 sprint win get?
Sprint races award points to the top eight finishers: 8 for the winner, then 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1. Sprints only run at a handful of events each season — the F1 sprint weekend format explained covers how those weekends work.
What happens to points if a race is cut short?
If a race is stopped and cannot be resumed, the points depend on how much of the planned distance was completed. No points are awarded unless the leader has completed at least two laps under green-flag conditions. Below 75% of the race distance, reduced points are given on a sliding scale; beyond that, full points apply.
How is the constructors’ championship scored?
A team’s score at each event is the sum of the points scored by both of its cars. Points stay with the team that scored them, even if a driver later moves or is replaced, which is why the F1 constructors’ standings are not simply the current line-up’s totals added together.
How are ties in the F1 standings broken?
If two drivers or teams finish level on points, the one with more wins is ranked higher. If that is also equal, the number of second places is compared, then third places, and so on down the finishing positions.
Where to follow the points
The F1 championship standings update after every session that awards points, and the F1 race results show exactly who scored what at each round. Each driver’s profile, listed on the F1 drivers page, breaks their season down race by race.
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