The extra point for fastest lap, introduced to Formula 1 in 2019, will be removed for the 2025 season and beyond. It comes after discussions earlier this season about overhauling the points system altogether, awarding the top 12 finishers with points rather than the top 10. While this was dismissed, the World Motor Sport Council will meet again in December, post- Abu Dhabi to discuss further changes prior to the 2026 F1 revamp.
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Two days ago, an investigation from the FIA about an unnamed team using a bib during parc ferme to change the ride height of their car was released. It was confirmed that this team was Red Bull. “Yes it exists although it is inaccessible once the car is fully assembled and ready to run,” a Red Bull team representative said. While they have not received indication that this system is being USED, the FIA and Red Bull have reached a conclusion about this possible scandal.
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Daniel Ricciardo was shockingly dropped by the second Red Bull outfit, VCARB immediately after the Singapore Grand Prix last month. In response, much of the world was shocked and 'horrified' by the treatment of this exit without giving Ricciardo his moment or allowing him to finish out the season. In an interview at the US Grand Prix media day, Verstappen agreed, “From my side, I think it could have been handled a bit differently.”
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During a US Grand Prix press conference, Valterri Bottas shockingly confirmed that he has agreed to terms with Audi/ Sauber to drive for the 2025 season. While details have been yet to emerge, Bottas was asked if he has agreed terms on a new contract and he replied: “Correct". With Bortoleto, Schumacher, and Colapinto's names still being thrown around for this second seat next to Nico Hulkenberg, this decision is clearly still up in the air.
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Sainz believes that the team has found a renewed sense of confidence after the successful Monza, Baku, and Singapore races, but as these are more 'unique' circuits they don't know if certain issues have truly been addressed. With Austin and Mexico being considered more 'traditional' circuits, these will be the ones to indicate to Ferrari if they are truly in championship contention as a team or not. Sainz said, "so I think this will be the most important test so far for us, to see whether all these upgrades that we brought in the past are working in the right direction for more of a normal kind of track, like we see here in Austin."
Click here to read the full article Jake Boxall-Legge (motorsport.com)