“Since 2019, a driver finishing in the top 10 could earn a bonus point by setting the fastest lap of the race,” F1 stated on its official website.

“Sometimes that meant drivers would still be pushing late on trying to take the accolade, or even make late pit stops for fresh rubber to increase their return.

“But it also opened up the possibility for a car outside the top 10 to pit and take the point away from another driver, even if they weren’t going to score themselves.

“And with the bonus sometimes proving a controversial topic, the decision was taken to remove it from the scoring system this year.”

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Despite the removal of the rule in F1, it will continue to be used in the FIA’s junior categories Formula 2 and Formula 3 for the foreseeable future.