Formula One races don’t always go to plan, as there are factors that can stop the completion of every single lap.
As a result, the FIA are inclined to change the amount of points available to drivers and constructors if a certain amount of the race isn’t completed.
The threshold for these points will change based on how many laps are finished without interruption from a safety car or virtual safety car.
The number of drivers who earn points will change as well, which can make a huge difference in the overall competition for the two main championships.
So, with that said, here’s a look at how F1 points are calculated based on delays to the race.
How many laps need to be completed in a race to land F1 points?
At least two laps without interruption from the safety car or virtual safety car are needed to award points for the race.
Up to 25% of the race would award points for the top five drivers only, with a minimal amount handed to each of those around the podium places.
| Position | Points |
|---|---|
| 1st | 6 |
| 2nd | 4 |
| 3rd | 3 |
| 4th | 2 |
| 5th | 1 |
F1 race points for 25%-50% of the race being completed
If the race finishes with somewhere between one quarter and one half of the laps completed, then the points available would change once again.
More points would be on the table, as well as more drivers who can land those points for their hopes in the driver’s championship.
| Position | Points |
|---|---|
| 1st | 13 |
| 2nd | 10 |
| 3rd | 8 |
| 4th | 6 |
| 5th | 5 |
| 6th | 4 |
| 7th | 3 |
| 8th | 2 |
| 9th | 1 |
It cuts down the points available, but there is just one fewer driver able to get their hands on some points, as it would usually be the top ten scoring for their championship hopes.
F1 points awarded for 50%-75% of the laps completed
With more of the race completed, drivers are given more point-scoring opportunities if somewhere between half and three-quarters of the laps are completed.
| Position | Points |
|---|---|
| 1st | 19 |
| 2nd | 14 |
| 3rd | 12 |
| 4th | 10 |
| 5th | 8 |
| 6th | 6 |
| 7th | 4 |
| 8th | 3 |
| 9th | 2 |
| 10th | 1 |
Just like a full race, ten drivers are handed points for finishing in those positions, opening up plenty of opportunities to score.
How many laps are needed to score full points in an F1 race?
At least 75% of the race laps must be completed to score full points, even if a race is delayed and the full allocation of laps cannot be completed.
It means all ten scoring positions are available once again, and drivers can land the full points on offer, just like a full race.
Once a race has started, there are three hours available to complete the race, regardless of how many laps are finished.