F1 has finally acknowledged the reason for eliminating the bonus point.

      Formula 1 has eliminated the bonus point for the fastest lap for the 2025 season, citing its "controversial" nature. Last October, the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council confirmed the removal of the extra point for drivers finishing in the top 10, although no reasons were provided at that time. Many speculated that the decision was connected to a notably controversial incident involving McLaren’s Lando Norris during the Singapore race. In that event, Daniel Ricciardo's late pit stop for new tires in the Red Bull-owned Racing Bulls car and his resulting fastest lap cost Norris a vital point in his championship battle with Max Verstappen. "It was Daniel’s last race, but it was also something that was taken away from me," Norris remarked. "If it was done intentionally, it’s clearly against what we stand for. I doubt Formula 1 would support that either."

      Months later, F1 has acknowledged that such controversies influenced the choice to discard the fastest lap point. On its official website, Formula 1 stated: "Since 2019, a driver in the top 10 could earn a bonus point by achieving the fastest lap of the race. This sometimes led drivers to continue pushing late in the race to claim the title, or even to make late pit stops for fresh tires to enhance their chances. However, it also allowed drivers outside the top 10 to pit and seize the point from another competitor, even if they weren’t in contention for scoring themselves. With the bonus lap generating significant debate, it was decided to remove it from the scoring system this year."