LONDON, Oct 18 (Bernama-PA Media/dpa) -- Formula One bosses have taken the surprise decision to ditch the awarding of a bonus point for the fastest lap, reported PA Media.
The FIA’s move – announced ahead of this weekend’s US Grand Prix – comes after Daniel Ricciardo snatched the award away from championship contender Lando Norris at the previous round in Singapore.
Ricciardo was driving for RB – Red Bull’s junior side – with Max Verstappen bidding to win a fourth consecutive title for the senior team.
It proved to be Ricciardo’s final act in the sport – after the Australian was subsequently replaced by Liam Lawson – but the tactic heightened claims of collusion between the two teams, a suggestion Red Bull team principal Christian Horner denied.
The removal of the regulation will come into force next season meaning there are still 180 points to play for across the remaining six rounds.
McLaren driver Norris trails Verstappen by 52 points heading into this weekend’s event at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas.
-- BERNAMA-PA Media/dpa
