Verstappen unconvinced by benefit of bonus point scheme

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Red Bull's Max Verstappen sees no real benefit to the bonus point scheme introduced by F1 this season as it only increases the divide between the sport's front-runners and the midfield teams.

In a bid to boost the spectacle in the closing stages of a race, F1 and the FIA decided to award this year an extra championship point to the driver that secures the fastest lap, under the condition that he finishes the race among the top ten.

F1 sporting boss Ross Brawn has seen the system gain traction in the first four races of the year, with drivers pitting for fresh rubber late in their race and setting off in pursuit of the extra point.

Brawn happy to see positive effects of fastest lap point

While the Brit says the scheme has a positive impact, Verstappen explained why in his view the plot only favoured the top three teams.

"The problem is that most of the time the top three teams one of their cars will have an issue at one point or it’s just a bit slower and they can always then pit because the gap behind is so big," said Verstappen, quoted by RaceFans.net.

"It just makes the gap to the teams behind even bigger if you keep adding a point to the top teams.

"I don’t see the benefit of it because as soon as one of the top two is taking the point the guy in sixth is pitting to and that particular team is not getting the point."

However, a stop to bolt on a fresh set of tyres isn't always necessary to secure the fastest race lap.

Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas was the recipient of the bonus point in the opening race in Melbourne, achieving the feat on the penultimate lap on worn tyres, a benefit that currently allows him to lead the drivers' standings by a single digit from team mate Lewis Hamilton.

Queried on the bonus point scheme, Hamilton admitted he isn't focused on putting in a flyer late in the day.

"I didn’t think about it," the reigning world champion said in Baku.

"In these four races, we’ve understood what happens is usually towards the end of the race, if someone has a free stop, they stop and take it.

"So I just focus on trying to get maximum race points.

"I don’t think this is going to be a focus for me through the rest of the year."

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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.