F1 Glossary · racing
Fastest Lap
The fastest lap is the quickest single lap completed during a Grand Prix, which can earn a driver an extra championship point.
What is the Fastest Lap?
In Formula 1, the fastest lap refers to the shortest time taken by a driver to complete one full circuit of the track during the Sunday Grand Prix. While drivers aim for consistency throughout the entire race, the "fastest lap" specifically identifies the single most efficient trip around the course under race conditions.
The Bonus Point Incentive
Since 2019, the FIA has awarded one additional World Championship point to the driver who sets the fastest lap, provided they finish the race within the top 10. This rule was reintroduced to add excitement to the closing stages of a race. If the driver who sets the fastest lap finishes 11th or lower, or fails to finish the race, no bonus point is awarded to anyone for that round.
Strategic Importance
The hunt for the fastest lap often dictates late-race strategy. If a driver has a significant gap to the car behind them—enough to change tires and return to the track without losing their position—they may "pit" for fresh, soft-compound tires in the final few laps. These new tires provide maximum grip, allowing the driver to set a blisteringly quick time on a low fuel load.
A notable example occurred at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, where Daniel Ricciardo set the fastest lap on the final tour. Because he finished outside the top 10, he did not receive the point, but his effort prevented Lando Norris from gaining that extra point in his championship battle against Max Verstappen. This illustrates how the fastest lap can be used as a tactical tool even by teams not scoring points.
Common Viewer Confusion
New viewers often confuse the fastest lap of the race with the "pole position" time from Saturday's qualifying. Qualifying times are almost always faster because cars run with minimal fuel and maximum engine power. The official race record only counts times set during the Grand Prix itself. Additionally, the bonus point does not "roll down" to the next fastest driver if the leader is outside the top 10; the point is simply not awarded.
Common questions
- Does every driver who sets a fastest lap get a point?
- No. To earn the bonus point, the driver must finish the race in the top 10. If a driver outside the top 10 sets the fastest lap, they receive the credit in the record books, but no championship point is awarded to them or any other driver.
- Why do teams try for the fastest lap if they are in 15th place?
- While a driver in 15th cannot earn the point themselves, they can "steal" it. If a rival team’s driver currently holds the fastest lap, a team might pit their lower-ranked driver for fresh tires to set a quicker time, preventing the rival from gaining that extra point in the standings.
- Is the fastest lap point available in Sprint races?
- No. The bonus point for the fastest lap is only available during the full-distance Grand Prix on Sunday. Sprint sessions do not offer an extra point for the quickest lap, regardless of where the driver finishes.