The Formula 1 standings show the drivers and teams who are battling for victory across a global calendar of Grands Prix. Drivers are rewarded for wins, second place finishes and podiums, while teams receive points for placing their drivers in the top 10. The top 10 finishers in both championships win bonus points – so a maximum of 25 points can be claimed over a season.
The battles at the very bottom of the team standings are often just as intense as those in the middle and up the top – especially with prize money and overall team budgets influenced by championship finishing position. Ultimately, the aim of every F1 team is to have their driver at the front of the standings by the end of the season, ensuring a healthy financial return on investment for the following campaign.
While a good record in the Drivers’ Championship is obviously important for drivers, it’s also crucial that their team have a competitive car and a strong strategy to secure the constructors’ title. It’s not uncommon for teams to have two drivers in the hunt for a championship, with the most famous example being Mercedes and Nico Rosberg in 2014 and 2016.
As an added incentive for their drivers, many teams are more relaxed about backing the quicker driver to take advantage of a ‘team race’. This might include allowing their faster team mate to pass them on track – or even sacrificing their own drive for the greater good of the team.