HIT THE BRAKES
F1 axe fastest lap bonus point rule just weeks after Red Bull ‘cheating’ claims sparked controversy
Lando Norris won in Singapore but could have had an extra point
FORMULA ONE is bringing in a new rule change - just weeks after claims of collusion amongst teams.
The FIA has announced it will scrap the awarding of a bonus point for the fastest lap from next season.
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It follows controversy at the Singapore Grand Prix involving RB driver Daniel Ricciardo.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella was left baffled after Ricciardo posted the fastest lap at the Marina Bay Street Circuit on September 22.
Ricciardo, who drives for Red Bull's junior RB team, pitted to go onto soft tyres when back in 18th place.
He thundered around the circuit, denying a point to McLaren's Lando Norris who would go on to win the race.
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The bonus point is only awarded if a driver finishes inside the top 10, meaning Ricciardo's own standing did not benefit from the move.
Norris reduced Red Bull driver Max Verstappen's lead at the top of the Drivers' Championship to 52 points thanks to his victory - but it would have been even tighter were it not for Ricciardo's flying lap.
Stella called for the issue to be "addressed," but stopped short of accusing Red Bull of colluding with sister team RB.
He said: "As soon as you invoke the sportsmanship, I think you need to approach this with a sense of responsibility that I want to have.
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"I don't know the facts, I just saw that Racing Bulls went for the fastest lap and they achieved it. I just find it a little peculiar."
The FIA has since announced the awarding of a bonus point for the fastest lap will be scrapped in 2025.
Mercedes made ‘clear mistake’ that ‘ruined’ Lewis Hamilton’s chances in Singapore GP and left him ‘so angry’
But no official reasoning for the change has yet been given.
A statement read: "Minor changes for 2024 and 2025 Sporting and Technical regulations were approved by the World Council, including the removal of the point awarded for setting the fastest lap."
The rule returned to the sport after a 60-year absence in 2019.
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Red Bull boss Christian Horner denied any collusion between the teams following last month's race in Singapore.
He said: ";Daniel obviously wanted to finish the race on a high.
"You'd have to ask VCARB about that."
RB chief Laurent Mekies later clarified the team's own position, claiming Ricciardo was sent out for one last hurrah.
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The 35-year-old looks set to be replaced with reserve driver Liam Lawson in Austin.
Mekies said: "Given this may have been Daniel's last race, we wanted to give him the chance to savour it and go out with the fastest lap."
F1 reporter Isabelle Barker's prediction
I EXPECT Max Verstappen to go all guns blazing over the next six-rounds. I also think his experience and aggression could give him the edge.
It seems too little too late for Norris showing consistency, despite that dominant win in Singapore last time out.
You can't help think what could have been had he sorted out his first-lap issues sooner.
Norris needs to prove he has the mental fortitude, because we all know he's got the speed, the team and the fastest car.
Verstappen has endured an eight-race winless streak, but he has still managed to score points, with three second-places during that time.
So I think the Dutchman will lift his fourth world-title this season, by the skin of his teeth.
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