Points vs Positions: Why P7–P10 Matter More Than Fans Think

When Formula 1 cameras focus on the podium celebrations, it’s easy to forget that the real championship battles often happen further down the grid. While fans obsess over wins and podiums, seasoned observers know the truth: positions 7th through 10th are where seasons are truly decided.

In F1’s current points system, the gap between finishing P7 and missing out on points entirely can determine constructors’ championship positions worth millions of dollars, make or break driver careers, and shift the entire competitive landscape. Here’s why the bottom half of the points-paying positions matter far more than most fans realize.

The F1 points distribution reality check

Under the current 25–18–15–12–10–8–6–4–2–1 points system, the mathematical reality is stark: the points drop-off becomes increasingly brutal as you move down the order.

The key breakpoints:

P1 to P2: 7-point drop
P2 to P3: 3-point drop
P6 to P7: 2-point drop
P7 to P8: 2-point drop
P8 to P9: 2-point drop
P9 to P10: 1-point drop
P10 to P11: Everything (1 point to zero)

That final step—from P10 to P11—represents the most important position change in Formula 1. It’s the difference between contributing to your team’s constructors’ championship fight and contributing nothing at all.

For context on how this system evolved: the current scale has been in place since 2010, when F1 expanded points to the top 10 finishers. Before that, only the top 8 scored points, making those lower positions even more precious. For a complete breakdown of how the modern system works, see our guide to the F1 points system explained.

Why P7–P10 are championship battlegrounds

The constructors’ mathematics

In the Constructors’ Championship, every point from both drivers counts toward the team total. This is where P7–P10 positions become absolutely critical.

Consider these real scenarios from the 2025 season:

Example 1: Consistent scoring beats headline-grabbing

Team A: Both drivers finish P8 and P9 → 6 points total
Team B: One driver wins (P1), other retires → 25 points total

Over one weekend, Team B dominates. But across a 24-race season, Team A’s approach of consistent dual-scoring often prevails. The mathematics are unforgiving: two DNFs can wipe out an entire race win’s worth of points.

Example 2: The 2025 midfield battle Looking at current standings after Baku, several teams are separated by tiny margins:

RB: 69 points (P6)
Aston Martin: 62 points (P7)
Sauber: 55 points (P8)

A single double-points finish from P7–P8 positions (10 combined points) could completely reshuffle this order. That’s the difference between substantial prize money and developmental budget constraints.

For more on how team championships work: F1 Constructors’ Championship Explained.

The financial reality: why every point pays

Prize money distribution

Formula 1’s prize money is distributed primarily based on Constructors’ Championship final positions. While exact figures are confidential, estimates suggest the difference between finishing P6 and P7 in the constructors’ standings can be worth $10-15 million.

That money directly funds:

Next year’s car development
Driver salaries and team personnel
Infrastructure improvements
Wind tunnel time and CFD resources

Case study: The 2025 midfield shuffle After 17 races, teams like Williams (101 points), RB (69 points), and Aston Martin (62 points) are fighting for every position. A few strategic P7–P10 finishes in the remaining races could shift final standings by multiple positions—and millions in prize money.

Development cycle implications

Teams that consistently score in P7–P10 build sustainable development programs. Those that rely on occasional podiums but frequently finish outside the points often find themselves in financial distress, leading to:

Reduced spending on car upgrades
Loss of key personnel to better-funded rivals
Difficulty attracting top drivers
Potential sale or restructuring

Sprint weekends: P7–P10 become even more valuable

On sprint weekends, the points system amplifies the importance of consistent scoring. With sprint races awarding 8–7–6–5–4–3–2–1 points to the top 8 finishers, teams have additional opportunities to score in what would traditionally be lower-value positions.

Strategic implications:

Saturday insurance: A P6 in the sprint (3 points) can offset a disappointing Sunday
Double opportunities: Teams can target different strategies across sprint and race
Risk management: Conservative sprint approach to guarantee points, then aggressive Sunday

For complete details on sprint scoring: F1 Sprint Race Points.

Driver career trajectories: P7–P10 as stepping stones

The consistency factor

Top teams don’t just look at a driver’s peak performances—they analyze consistency metrics. A driver who regularly finishes P7–P10 demonstrates:

Race management: Ability to bring the car home in difficult conditions
Tire management: Crucial for stint strategy
Traffic navigation: Essential skill in the modern DRS era
Pressure handling: Maintaining performance when points are on the line

2025 examples:

Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes): Currently P7 in standings with 78 points, built on consistent scoring rather than flashy wins
Alex Albon (Williams): P8 with 70 points, establishing himself as a reliable points scorer

Market value implications

Drivers who consistently finish P7–P10 often have longer, more stable careers than those with occasional brilliance but frequent zeros. Teams value predictability in their second drivers especially, leading to:

Longer contract negotiations
Higher salaries
Opportunities with top teams
Stronger bargaining positions

Strategic depth: how teams race for P7–P10

Setup philosophy differences

Cars fighting for P7–P10 require different setup approaches than those battling for wins:

Midfield priorities:

Tire degradation management: Longer stints in traffic
Overtaking capability: Crucial for position gains
Defensive stability: Holding position under pressure
DRS efficiency: Maximizing straight-line opportunities

Race strategy variations

Teams targeting P7–P10 employ distinct strategies:

Conservative approach:

Earlier pit stops to avoid traffic
Protection of track position
Risk-averse tire choices
Team orders to prevent inter-team battles

Aggressive approach:

Late pit stops for tire advantage
Alternative strategies (undercuts/overcuts)
Bold tire compound choices
Accepting higher risk for higher reward

How shortened races change P7–P10 dynamics

When races are shortened due to weather or incidents, the reduced points scales significantly alter P7–P10 value:

Standard vs. Shortened race points:

50-75% distance: P7 scores 4 points (vs. 6 normal)
25-50% distance: P7 scores 3 points (vs. 6 normal)
Under 25% distance: P7 scores nothing (only top 5 score)

This compression makes track position even more critical and often leads to more conservative racing in shortened conditions. Teams know that holding P7 in a shortened race provides nearly the same value as P8 in a full race.

For complete details: F1 Standings in Shortened Races.

Real-world 2025 examples: P7–P10 in action

Championship-defining moments

Baku 2025 impact: The recent Azerbaijan GP perfectly illustrated P7–P10 importance:

Lando Norris (P7): Crucial points to stay in title fight
Lewis Hamilton (P8): Valuable points for Ferrari’s constructors’ battle
Charles Leclerc (P9): Limited damage in difficult weekend
Isack Hadjar (P10): RB’s first point in several races

That single race result affected multiple championship battles simultaneously.

Season-long patterns

Consistency champions:

Oscar Piastri: Leading the drivers’ championship (324 points) through a combination of 7 wins and reliable P7–P10 finishes when not winning
McLaren: Dominating constructors’ (623 points) by getting both cars into points regularly

Inconsistency costs: Teams that rely on occasional brilliance but frequently finish outside points often find themselves struggling in the championship order, regardless of their peak performance capability.

The psychological element: why P7–P10 pressure is unique

Different pressures, different skills

Racing for P7–P10 involves unique psychological pressures:

Defensive pressure: Protecting position against faster cars behind Traffic management: Navigating DRS trains and defensive moves Patience requirements: Waiting for opportunities rather than forcing moves Team dynamics: Balancing personal performance with team needs

These skills don’t always translate directly from winning races or fighting for podiums. Some drivers excel in this environment while others struggle with the different mental approach required.

Technical considerations: car performance in P7–P10 battles

Aerodynamic efficiency

Cars fighting for P7–P10 spend significant time in dirty air, making aerodynamic efficiency crucial:

Reduced downforce compromise: Balance between straight-line speed and cornering
Cooling management: Running in traffic creates thermal challenges
Tire warming: Getting heat into tires quickly for overtaking

Power unit considerations

Battery management becomes critical in P7–P10 battles:

ERS deployment strategy: When to attack vs. defend
Fuel saving requirements: Balancing performance with efficiency
Reliability priorities: Finishing over peak performance

Global championship implications

Constructor dynamics

The fight for P7–P10 often determines the entire constructors’ championship structure below the top teams:

Prize money cascade effect:

Higher finishing position = more prize money
More prize money = better development budget
Better development = improved car performance
Improved performance = higher finishing position

This cycle explains why teams invest heavily in achieving consistent P7–P10 finishes rather than gambling on occasional podiums.

Driver market effects

P7–P10 specialists often have longer, more stable careers:

Reliability value: Teams know what they’ll get
Development feedback: Consistent platform for car improvement
Commercial appeal: Regular TV exposure in points-paying positions
Mentorship roles: Guiding younger drivers in race craft

Looking ahead: P7–P10 in the 2025 title fight

Remaining season dynamics

With 7 races remaining in 2025, P7–P10 positions will likely determine:

Drivers’ Championship: While Piastri leads Norris, consistent P7–P10 finishes when not winning could decide the title

Constructors’ Championship: McLaren’s dominance partly stems from both drivers regularly scoring, even when not winning

Midfield Battle: The fight for P5–P8 in constructors’ standings remains wide open, with P7–P10 finishes likely determining final order

Strategic evolution

Teams are increasingly recognizing P7–P10 value through:

Dedicated strategies: Specific approaches for these positions
Driver coaching: Training specifically for midfield battles
Car development: Prioritizing traits that help in traffic
Personnel allocation: Assigning top strategists to midfield battles

FAQ: Understanding P7–P10 importance

Why don’t more fans appreciate P7–P10 positions?

Television coverage naturally focuses on podium battles, but P7–P10 often features the most intense, strategic racing. These positions require different skills—traffic management, tire conservation, and defensive driving—that don’t always make for spectacular television but are crucial for championship success.

How much money difference is there between finishing P7 vs P11?

While exact figures aren’t public, the difference between scoring points (P7-P10) and not scoring (P11+) can add up to millions over a season in terms of constructors’ championship position and subsequent prize money distribution.

Do sprint races make P7–P10 more valuable?

Yes, sprint weekends provide additional opportunities to score points. A P7 in the sprint (2 points) plus P10 in the race (1 point) totals 3 points—equivalent to a P8 finish in a standard weekend. This additional opportunity amplifies the value of consistent midfield performance.

Which current F1 drivers are best at maximizing P7–P10 finishes?

Based on 2025 season data, drivers like Alex Albon, Kimi Antonelli, and experienced campaigners like Fernando Alonso consistently extract maximum points from midfield machinery. Their ability to bring cars home in points-paying positions has significant career and team value.

How do P7–P10 battles affect tire strategy?

Midfield battles often involve different tire strategies than front-runners. Teams may prioritize tire compounds that work well in traffic, manage degradation over longer stints, or time pit stops to avoid congested pit windows. The strategic complexity in P7–P10 often exceeds that of podium battles.

Will F1’s points system ever change to make P7–P10 more valuable?

While the current system has been stable since 2010, there’s ongoing discussion about potentially expanding points to P12 or adjusting the distribution. Any changes would need widespread agreement from teams and would significantly impact championship dynamics.

Final thoughts: respecting the unsung points

Formula 1’s glamour lies in victory celebrations and podium champagne, but its substance lives in the relentless pursuit of P7–P10 positions. These are the finishing positions where championships are truly won and lost, where careers are built or broken, and where millions of dollars in prize money are decided.

Understanding P7–P10 dynamics reveals Formula 1’s deeper strategic layer—beyond the headlines and highlight reels. It’s where consistency meets strategy, where patience pays dividends, and where the true masters of race craft demonstrate their value.

The next time you watch a Grand Prix, pay attention to those battles for 7th through 10th. You’ll witness some of the most intense, strategically complex racing on the grid—racing that often matters more for the championship than the fight for the win itself.

Want to track how P7–P10 battles unfold in real-time? Sign up for early access to RaceMate, where you can see championship implications of every position change as it happens during the race.