As revealed by Autosport ahead of the Chinese GP, the FIA, FOM and F1 teams will discuss the idea of increasing the number of points up to 12th place, two more than what is currently proposed.
The change would result in only eight cars not scoring points in Sunday races.
Although this means Alpine driver Ocon would have scored his first points of 2024 at last weekend’s Chinese GP, the Frenchman believes the main problem remains that the midfield teams are too far away from the leading teams.
“It’s putting a cast on a big cut, let’s call it that,” Ocon said when asked about the new points system.
“It’s a way to help with the current situation, I think.
“It would definitely work because we would have scored points today. But I would prefer to be able to run in front and have each team closer.
“I think it’s fair to say it’s a small gain compared to what we’re trying to do: bring all the cars closer together,” added Ocon, who finished the Shanghai race in 11th place.
Kevin Magnussen, Haas VF-24, Valtteri Bottas, Kick Sauber C44
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
Haas’ Kevin Magnussen has backed the new system as he believes it would help more drivers feel like they are fighting for something, with the Dane going so far as to suggest everyone should score points.
“I think it would be good,” Magnussen said. “Maybe the points for everyone would be better, so you always have something to fight for. It won’t change the final outcome of the championship, but I think it just means it’s a more fight interesting between the last five.
“So maybe it’s 50 points for P1, and you spread them out – maybe that’s a good idea. Something to make it interesting. When you’re fighting for 16th or 14th place or something like this it would be nice if there was it’s always a good fight… something to fight for It seems pointless. 1713963604”.
Valtteri Bottas, whose Sauber team are yet to score this season, said he would also welcome the change given his team’s current struggles, as he believes it would not affect those at the top of the peloton.
“At the moment, where we are as a team, yes,” Bottas replied when asked if he supported the change. “But if you’re on a top-three or top-four team, it doesn’t bother you. That’s how it happens. But for us, yes.
“To be fair to everyone, I think the more points, even in the sprint, I think it’s better. It creates even more competition.”
Watch: Who are the key players in F1 Driver Market 2025
As revealed by Autosport ahead of the Chinese GP, the FIA, FOM and F1 teams will discuss the idea of increasing the number of points up to 12th place, two more than what is currently proposed.
The change would result in only eight cars not scoring points in Sunday races.
Although this means Alpine driver Ocon would have scored his first points of 2024 at last weekend’s Chinese GP, the Frenchman believes the main problem remains that the midfield teams are too far away from the leading teams.
“It’s putting a cast on a big cut, let’s call it that,” Ocon said when asked about the new points system.
“It’s a way to help with the current situation, I think.
“It would definitely work because we would have scored points today. But I would prefer to be able to run in front and have each team closer.
“I think it’s fair to say it’s a small gain compared to what we’re trying to do: bring all the cars closer together,” added Ocon, who finished the Shanghai race in 11th place.
Kevin Magnussen, Haas VF-24, Valtteri Bottas, Kick Sauber C44
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
Haas’ Kevin Magnussen has backed the new system as he believes it would help more drivers feel like they are fighting for something, with the Dane going so far as to suggest everyone should score points.
“I think it would be good,” Magnussen said. “Maybe the points for everyone would be better, so you always have something to fight for. It won’t change the final outcome of the championship, but I think it just means it’s a more fight interesting between the last five.
“So maybe it’s 50 points for P1, and you spread them out – maybe that’s a good idea. Something to make it interesting. When you’re fighting for 16th or 14th place or something like this it would be nice if there was it’s always a good fight… something to fight for It seems pointless. 1713963604”.
Valtteri Bottas, whose Sauber team are yet to score this season, said he would also welcome the change given his team’s current struggles, as he believes it would not affect those at the top of the peloton.
“At the moment, where we are as a team, yes,” Bottas replied when asked if he supported the change. “But if you’re on a top-three or top-four team, it doesn’t bother you. That’s how it happens. But for us, yes.
“To be fair to everyone, I think the more points, even in the sprint, I think it’s better. It creates even more competition.”
Watch: Who are the key players in F1 Driver Market 2025
