Daniel Ricciardo: Aussie star’s selfless act causes change to controversial F1 bonus point system
Australian superstar Daniel Ricciardo was proven to be a team man to the end, and his parting gift to Red Bull Racing has prompted a big shift in the F1 points system.
Formula 1’s governing body, the International Motoring Federation (FIA), has announced that the bonus point for fastest lap will not be awarded in 2025 after Ricciardo performed a memorable act to stifle the opportunity of additional points for one of RB Racing’s fiercest rivals.
The controversial bonus point rule, which was reintroduced to the series in 2019, rewards a driver an extra point in the world championship standings if they finish in the top 10 and have recorded the fastest in-race circuit of the track.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The FIA made the announcement ahead of this weekend’s United States Grand Prix among several changes to the 2024 and 2025 sporting and technical regulations.
Ricciardo gave pause for thought for F1 officials after he set the fastest lap in his final race at the Singapore Grand Prix before being sacked by the RB secondary team.
With a set of new tyres, Ricciardo screamed around the Singapore circuit and pinched a vital standings point that would potentially have been awarded to the McLaren team who are enjoying a stellar season.
McLaren’s Lando Norris held the fastest lap and bonus point as the race entered its final laps until Ricciardo who was well back in the 18th spot and not eligible to score a bonus point, dropped into the pits, and the rest is history.
Red Bull’s reigning world champion Max Verstappen who thanked the Aussie for his parting gift, is striving to win another championship but is under siege from the McLaren team.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown aimed for Red Bull to have two teams on the grid.
“This. .. is of big concern to us and the health of the sport and the fairness of the sport,” he said.
Ricciardo said after the race: “If Max wins (the championship) by a point, I’ve guaranteed myself a nice Christmas present”.
“It was maybe to have one last crack at doing a fast one if it (his career) is to be it.”
Ricciardo has since been linked with moves to NASCAR and even Australia’s Supercars category.
