Marko backs proposal: 'Two classes have formed'

The final decision has been delayed, yet there seems to be a majority among Formula 1 teams to introduce a new points system in the sport as early as 2025. The top 12 finishers will score points rather than the current 10. Helmut Marko, Red Bull's external advisor, mostly sees the proposal's advantages.

Marko is not only one of the driving forces behind Red Bull Racing. The Austrian also has linked with VCARB. That team, with Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo, usually struggles more to get into the points. With not 10, but 12 drivers able to score, it is more likely that Red Bull Racing's sister team will also be able to add points more often.

Marko digs at Stroll

In his column in Speedweek, Marko states that he understands why consideration is being given to rewarding more drivers with points. "Two classes have formed. If the drivers of the top five teams have no technical problems and Mr Stroll has a normal day, there are no points for the other five teams," Marko figures.

"The budget cap has brought the field closer together, leading to extremely exciting battles in the midfield. This should be rewarded somehow. If ten drivers are fighting so hard but have no hope of getting a point, then maybe it is time to change something," Marko said, who also pointed out that the reliability of F1 cars is excellent these days.

Whereas in the past top performers regularly dropped out with technical problems, this hardly ever happens now. So the backmarkers cannot take advantage of that either.