Formula 1 transcends mere racing – it’s a global spectacle of speed, strategy and engineering excellence where a fraction of a second can make all the difference. But it isn’t just about the cars, drivers and teams – the determining factor are the F1 standings, the real-time indicator that fuels passionate discussions, predictions and enthusiasm across dedicated fanbases.
Calculating these standings requires precise coordination and meticulous data management across a global calendar of races and shorter, preliminary events called Sprints. But it’s not just about the numbers – a driver or team’s position on the standings reflects their performance and how close they are to the champions’ title.
For each Grand Prix, the top ten drivers receive points – with the winner receiving 25 points, then 18 for second place and so on down to 10th place, which is awarded just one point. Previously, drivers could also receive an extra point for setting the fastest lap, but that was removed ahead of 2025 as part of a wider series of rule changes.
The standings also reflect the Constructors’ Championship – with each team being scored on their performance with two drivers. Since the constructors’ competition began in 1958, Ferrari are the most successful team with 16 titles, followed by Mercedes, McLaren and Red Bull – each with nine. But it isn’t just the best-performing teams that win, as there have been 12 occasions when a Drivers’ Champion has been from a different team to the Constructors’ Championship winners.