Lando Norris and Max Verstappen were affected by one particular rule last year that is now no more (Image: Getty)
One of the new rules for the 2025 season has seen the fastest lap bonus point scrapped. The – which kicks off the 2025 campaign on Sunday – will see begin his quest for a fifth consecutive world championship.
However, the ace will no longer be able to receive the same helping hand he did in 2024 now that the fastest-lap point is no more. The decision to remove it was approved by the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council in October after it had been reintroduced for six seasons, reports . It became a hot topic of controversy last term, largely thanks to former and driver .
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Ricciardo found himself at the back of the pack during September’s Singapore GP when he switched to soft tyres for the second time on his penultimate lap. This , but he couldn’t claim the bonus point – only awarded if the driver also finished in the top 10 – as he ended up 18th that day.
However, this meant the then-RB driver snatched the fastest lap point from ‘s , who was locked in a tight title race with Verstappen at the time. Ricciardo’s late push for the fastest lap indirectly aided parent team and gave Verstappen a slight edge in the championship standings.
The general belief was the Singapore GP could be Ricciardo’s swansong as an F1 driver, with rumours suggesting he’d be replaced by Liam Lawson for the rest of 2024. He was named Driver of the Day by a public vote after what many labelled a “parting gift” to .
Ricciardo won Driver of the Day but was also criticised for his tactic at the Singapore GP (Image: Sky Sports)
“I’ll be honest, I don’t think the driver of the day normally means much to us drivers,” he said at the time. “It’s nice but it’s not something we brag about. But today, obviously the fans read the media and know that this could be my last one.
“So I think it’s a really nice gesture from them and it is appreciated. I do acknowledge that and I thank them for being a part of it and acknowledging my efforts and my love for the sport.”
The FIA announced the elimination of the fastest-lap rule less than a month later. It looks like Ricciardo, 35, may have raced his last laps in F1 – although a glimmer of hope for his return has emerged with the confirmation that American manufacturer Cadillac will join as an 11th team in 2026.