New race format at Silverstone: Points and championship implications

This year's Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone will look different than usual and that's because a sprint race/qualifying will be added to the weekend. This is a test to see how it works out and this is one of the three occasions that it'll happen during the current season. This also has consequences for the points that can be collected and we will explain this in more detail in this article, as well as the influence it can have on the championship.

More points

The maximum amount of points that can be scored during a normal Grand Prix weekend is 26 points. The winner of course gets 25 points, which decreases in value through the top ten. The top ten are eligible for one extra point and that is if they drive the fastest lap. If the winner of the race does that, the maximum number of points is 26. This weekend that number of points will increase, because points are also awarded for the sprint race that serves as qualifying for the Grand Prix on Sunday.

The number of points that is handed out in the sprint race is a lot lower, because only the first three drivers score points. The number one driver gets three points, the number two gets two points and the one who finishes third gets one point. If someone wins the sprint race, they can add 25 points by winning the Grand Prix and if he sets the fastest lap of the race the total comes to a maximum of 29 points.

Chances for the championship

Since the introduction of the extra point for the fastest lap, we have seen a lot of drivers going into the pit with a good margin to the next position for a new set of tyres in the final laps. This in order to set the fastest lap and score that extra point. Apart from the fact that every point is welcome - it brings in money - this option is fuelled by the idea that every point can be decisive.

Free choice of tyres

Not mentioned in the introduction, but also worth mentioning: the free choice of tyres. Normally the top ten drivers start the Grand Prix on Sunday with the tyres they qualified with. This rule has been dropped this weekend, as it looks a bit different in terms of tyres anyway. Qualifying for the sprint race however does have an obligation and that is to use the soft (red) tyre.

The previous session will therefore not determine which tyres the drivers have to use and this could lead to interesting situations. For qualifying it is also a level playing field in terms of tyres, as they now have to drive on the red compound. In the sprint race itself it is of course up to the drivers to make the right choice, as there are no mandatory pit stops.