F1 awards points for fastest lap: what’s your take?

Formula 1 returns this weekend, and now it’s been confirmed that points will be awarded for the fastest lap at each race.

Which means there’s an additional 21 points on offer that contribute to both drivers’ and constructors’ championships. The last time a point for fastest lap was awarded was between 1950 and 1959.

F1’s managing director Ross Brawn – former Ferrari, Brawn and Mercedes team boss – said: “Together with the FIA we have been committed to evaluating ideas and solutions that can improve the show whilst maintaining the integrity of our sport.

“We felt that the reintroduction, after sixty years, of a point for the driver of the fastest lap in the race goes in this direction. We have been considering this solution – which represents a response to detailed research carried out with thousands of our fans around the world – for a number of months,” he added.

He points to drivers frequently coming onto the radio to ask who’s got the fastest lap, too. “Now it will no longer be only a matter of record and prestige, but there will be a concrete motivation that will make the final part of the race even more interesting,” Brawn said.

So, what’s your take on this development, and reckon it’ll make the racing better to watch?