Formula 1 introduces one point for fastest lap in 2019

The FIA World Motorsport Council has approved an extra championship point for the fastest lap of an F1 Grand Prix. The move received an approval from the Formula 1 commission and will be applicable from the season opener in Australia this weekend.

A driver clocking the fastest lap is expected to be awarded an extra point only if he finishes the race in the first 10 positions. The final approval will be passed by an e-vote of the Formula 1 commission before the first race of the season. Further, if a driver outside the points position gets the fastest lap, he could prevent it from going to one of the drivers finishing in the first 10 places.

From 1950 to 1959, Formula 1 awarded one point to the racer with the fastest lap. The extra point has made a difference before. In 1958, Mike Hawthorn won the championship by just 1 point. In 2008, Felipe Massa would have beaten Lewis Hamilton had such a rule been in force. It is the only instance since 2000 wherein such a rule could have changed the outcome of the world championship.