F1 transcends mere racing – it’s a global spectacle of speed, strategy and engineering excellence. And while the coveted Drivers’ Championship is what grabs the headlines, it’s the Constructors’ title that all teams are fighting for every step of the way. Formula 1 standings are the real-time indicator that fuels this passionate and competitive spirit, so it’s important to understand how they are calculated.
Formula 1 standings are updated after each race, allowing fans to track the progress of their favorite drivers and predict who’s likely to win the season title. However, it’s important to remember that consistency is a key factor in winning the championship, with even the smallest mistakes and remarkable performances having an impact on the overall standings.
Drivers’ standings are calculated based on their finishing positions in each race, with points awarded for the top ten finishers. In addition, drivers earn bonus points for the fastest lap of the race. The team that scores the most points at the end of the season is crowned the Constructors’ Champion.
As an aside, it’s worth pointing out that drivers are allowed to score points with more than one team during the season. So, for example, if a driver moves between teams during the year, they keep their individual drivers’ points (even though they might be competing with different teammates).
It’s also worth noting that there have been 19 seasons in which the constructors’ championship has been decided at the final Grand Prix of the season. The most recent instance of this was in 2024, when McLaren edged out Ferrari to clinch the title.