Formulation 1 is scrapping the bonus level for quickest lap it launched with a lot fanfare simply 5 years in the past.
The bonus level was initially awarded within the fifties, then dropped. F1 reintroduced in 2019, claiming it might “enhance the present while sustaining the integrity of our sport.”
Nonetheless the FIA confirmed at the moment the World Motor Sport Council has agreed to drop the rule in 2025. It gave no rationalization for the change, however the announcement comes after suspicions have been raised over Daniel Ricciardo’s bid for quickest lap over the last spherical of the championship.
Championship chief Max Verstappen’s closest rival Lando Norris held the quickest lap and bonus level because the race entered its ultimate laps. Ricciardo, driving for Purple Bull’s second crew RB, was operating 18th and never eligible to attain the bonus level, however was summoned into the pits by his crew on the finish of the race to suit a recent set of soppy tyres.
Ricciardo duly set the quickest lap, and regardless of not with the ability to declare level for himself, disadvantaged Norris of it. This prompted claims Purple Bull had used their second crew to help Verstappen in his championship combat. RB claimed Ricciardo was given the chance to set the quickest lap in what turned out to be his penultimate lap with the crew, although his radio messages indicated he by no means requested it.
Ross Brawn, who oversaw the push to introduce the rule when he was F1 managing director, admitted on the time the rule might trigger “controversial” eventualities in a championship combat.
A ballot performed by RaceFans final month discovered a majority of readers needed F1 to drop the rule.
In one other change for subsequent season, the variety of observe classes given over to junior drivers will double. Groups should run junior drivers in every of their two automobiles as soon as beneath the present guidelines.
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2024 United States Grand Prix
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