The fusion of tradition and futurism that is F1 captivates millions worldwide, connecting fans with the thrill of a sport where a tiny fraction of a second can be the difference between victory and defeat. Achieving and maintaining pole position is a major focus for drivers and teams alike, fuelling an intense competition that pushes drivers to the edge of their ability. Achieving a top-ten finish in each race adds to a driver’s overall standing, and adding an extra point for fastest lap is another way drivers can bolster their ranking.
Formula 1’s current points system also rewards teams for their collective efforts, with the team that earns the most points at the end of a season named FIA Formula One World Constructors’ Champion. This honour is considered the most prestigious within the sport, and it has substantial financial implications for the winning team through prize money distribution.
Teams that score the most points in a race receive 25 + 15 points for both their drivers. The highest-ranked teams then go on to rank in a table based on their total of race finishes, with the team that has the most wins placed first. Ties are settled by a process of elimination, with the team that has the most second place finishes then taking the lead and so on.
While it may seem logical that the team with the best car will win the championship, this hasn’t always been the case. There have been 19 seasons when the drivers’ championship has been won by a team that is not the constructors’ champions, with the most recent occurrence happening in 2024 when McLaren pipped Ferrari to clinch their first title since 1998.