F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Points overhaul would take away top-10 sense of achievement - Alonso

Fernando Alonso believes the idea of awarding points to all 20 drivers in a race would take away a sense of achievement and exclusivity for those who finish in the top ten.

According to Force India's Vijay Mallya, Formula 1 held discussions with teams at a recent Strategy Group meeting about a prospective overhaul of the sport's current points distribution system.

The revision, envisaged as a means of helping out F1's smaller teams, could either award points to the first 15 drivers and their respective teams, or be extended to include all 20 drivers on the grid.

Formula 1 mulls revision to points system

Regardless, Alonso isn't sure either system would preserve a driver's sense of merit or performance.

"I think F1 has been always quite difficult to get points," said the McLaren driver.

"Some elite guys got the big points, and it was kind of a big reward when you even scored just two points or something.

“I remember now when Jules [Bianchi] scored the ninth position in Monaco it was some kind of miracle and that was a big moment for the sport.

"If everyone is scoring points now, then maybe we lose that unique feeling in F1.

"Whatever they decide will be OK but definitely F1 feels like it should be more exclusive."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.