How F1 Points Work in 2026: Grand Prix and Sprint Scoring Explained
How the Formula 1 points system works in 2026: 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1 for a Grand Prix, 8-to-1 for sprints, no fastest-lap point, and how championship ties are broken.
Key takeaway
In 2026, the top ten finishers in a Formula 1 Grand Prix score 25, 18, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 and 1 points. At sprint weekends, the top eight in the sprint score 8 down to 1. There is no bonus point for the fastest lap (it was dropped from 2025). Ties in the championship are broken by who has more wins, then more second places, and so on.
Every standings table on this site uses the scoring system below. Here’s how it works.
Grand Prix points
| Position | Points |
|---|---|
| 1st | 25 |
| 2nd | 18 |
| 3rd | 15 |
| 4th | 12 |
| 5th | 10 |
| 6th | 8 |
| 7th | 6 |
| 8th | 4 |
| 9th | 2 |
| 10th | 1 |
Finishing outside the top ten scores nothing, and so does retiring. To be classified, a driver normally has to complete at least 90% of the winner’s race distance.
Sprint points
On sprint weekends, the shorter Saturday sprint pays points to the top eight: 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
No more fastest-lap point
From 2019 to 2024, a driver in the top ten who set the fastest lap got a bonus point. That rule was dropped from 2025, so the fastest lap now counts for bragging rights only. We still show it in every recap.
Constructors’ points
A team’s score is simply the total of both its drivers’ points.
Tie-breaks
If two drivers finish level on points, the one with more wins ranks higher. If they have the same number of wins, the one with more second places ranks higher, then more thirds, and so on.
Why it matters in 2026
The gap between first and second is 7 points. So in a close title fight, finishing just ahead of your rival each weekend gains very little, and a retirement costs a lot. See how that works in practice in Antonelli’s 66-Point Cushion, Examined.
FAQ
How many points do you get for winning an F1 race in 2026?
A Grand Prix win is worth 25 points. Second place earns 18 and third earns 15.
Is there a point for fastest lap in F1 2026?
No. The bonus point for fastest lap was scrapped from the 2025 season onward and has not returned for 2026.
How many points are awarded in an F1 sprint?
The top eight finishers in a sprint score points: 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1.
How are ties broken in the F1 championship?
If drivers or teams finish level on points, the one with more wins ranks higher. If that is equal, the number of second places is compared, then thirds, and so on.