Formula 1 standings are a system used to determine the points scored by drivers and teams throughout a season of races called Grands Prix. It rewards the best performing drivers and teams throughout the season. Those at the top of the standings are crowned champions, with winners receiving their trophies on a podium in front of cheering fans.
Since its founding in 1950, Formula 1 has sought to be the world’s premier motor sport, constantly pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation. In doing so, the sport has helped to develop cars that can reach incredible speeds while also contributing to everyday car technology through innovations such as electric powertrains.
In addition to the Drivers’ Championship, there is also a Constructors’ Championship, which recognises the work of the teams that field the winning drivers. Each team enters two cars for each race and the combined total of both drivers’ scores determines the constructors’ final standing. The team with the most points wins this prestigious title, which has substantial financial implications through how prize money is distributed.
For example, a team that scores the most points will receive a higher priority for a garage in the pit lane and thus have a greater chance of scoring more during a race. This can be crucial to a team’s success, especially when the battles at the bottom of the table can become as intense as those at the top.
There has never been a tie for the Drivers’ Championship in F1 history, but if drivers do finish the season on an equal amount of points it would be decided by a countback of results. In the event of a tie, it is determined by the driver with the most wins, then second place finishes, and so on until a winner is found.