Whether you’re a Formula 1 fan or not, it’s impossible to ignore how big an impact the standings have on the sport. The teams compete fiercely for every point, knowing that the difference between finishing a race in first place or last can be the difference between winning or losing millions of dollars in prize money.
Ultimately, it’s the team and driver with the most championship points who are named champions at the end of each season. A driver’s championship points are calculated based on their position in each Grand Prix and sprint race, while a team’s points are the combined total of both its drivers.
The top 10 finishers in each race receive points, with the winner earning 25 championship points and a driver’s title. Teams also earn points if they finish in the top 10 of each sprint race, though their championship score is calculated on the basis of the driver’s best result of the season.
It’s important to note that if a race is shortened, or the race is stopped due to bad weather, points are only awarded if at least 75 per cent of the race distance is completed. This is a relatively recent change, as before the race was abandoned in this circumstance a driver’s points were only counted if they finished the race.
A number of times throughout history, teams have found themselves in a dead heat for the championship, but not in the same year. The way in which these situations are resolved varies, but generally the highest placed driver (or teams) is given the championship win.