Sergio Perez SLAMS F1 for scraping fastest lap bonus point after Singapore GP backlash

Sergio Perez was far from happy to see Formula 1 end the bonus point for the fastest lap from the 2025 season.

Sergio Perez SLAMS F1 for scraping fastest lap bonus point after Singapore GP backlash

Sergio Perez (via IMAGO)

Formula 1 introduced a bonus point for the fastest lap of the race in 2019. This rule did divide opinions at the start, but teams embraced it with open arms. However, following Daniel Ricciardo‘s fastest lap point at the Singapore GP, F1 has banned this rule from 2025. Now, Sergio Perez has expressed his thoughts over this decision.

Perez highlighted that the 24 extra points over the fastest lap have played a crucial role in the championship in the past. This could have been the case for the future as well considering how tight the grid has become this season. Even Ricciardo’s fastest lap in Singapore could play a role in this year’s title fight.

There were races especially when the championship is pretty tight between teams and drivers, where that could really make a difference. We are talking about 24 points a season.

Sergio Perez said, as reported by Motorsport.com
YouTube video

Sergio Perez did not understand why Formula 1 was banning the rule. The Mexican driver highlighted that teams had to perform well under pressure for fastest lap pitstops to ensure that the driver can clinch that extra point. The 34-year-old claimed that the sport did not make the right call by ending the bonus point.

FS Video

I don’t know why it changed, I just felt like it was quite good. When you go for it, it is quite a lot of pressure for the mechanics to deliver the right stop, for you to deliver the right lap. I don’t think it was the best move.

Sergio Perez added

George Russell ‘glad’ to see F1 end bonus point rule

On the other hand, Mercedes’ George Russell had a different viewpoint compared to Sergio Perez. The British driver claimed that he never saw the advantage of the bonus point. As such, Russell was happy to see this rule come to an end next season.

George Russell
George Russell (via IMAGO)

I never really saw the benefit of that, so sort of glad to see that’s gone.

George Russell said

Certainly, the removal of the fastest lap point will remain as a matter of debate for the coming weeks. However, teams would be looking to make the most out of the rule in the last six races of 2024, particularly title contenders Red Bull and McLaren. Fans will looking forward to seeing the two teams battle it out this weekend at the US GP.