The Formula 1 community is currently split as discussions loom regarding the potential broadening of the existing points allocation system.
The F1 Commission is slated to deliberate on a new scheme, proposed by the less dominant teams and apparently also backed by Red Bull, to increase the number of points-earning positions from 10th to 12th place.
For the proposal to be implemented in 2025, it must secure votes from at least six teams.
"The competition is tough," stated Red Bull team principal Christian Horner in an interview with Bild. "Two groups have formed - the top 5 and then the teams from sixth to tenth places.
"Every single point is hard fought for. Of course, in the end, you'd have to ask yourself what it would really change, but I'm completely impartial. But of course, points mean money.
"So I do understand the concern."
Red Bull-supported driver, Yuki Tsunoda of the junior RB team, seems less than enthusiastic.
"When all the drivers score, you are not as motivated," Tsunoda told Sport1. "Now, if we are P9 or P10, it's like a win for us.
"I'd be happy if we keep it that way."
Alex Albon of Williams concurs, as reported by motorsport-total.com: "I would not change the system."
But Haas, a team that has often struggled, is one of the main advocates for the revision.
Speaking about the P1-P12 points proposal in Shanghai, Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu questioned, "What's the downside?
"As the proposal stands, it makes no difference to those who score big points," he noted in Ekstra Bladet. "It only has consequences for, let's say, the bottom five.
"If you look at recent years, it would perhaps change a single position around P8-P9 in the world championship. So it's not a huge change.
"But for the fans, it would be good to see 11th and 12th places being rewarded. Right now there are three teams without any points at all.
"(Esteban) Ocon was P11 today," he continued, "so he would have got two points and therefore fewer with a zero score. It's more obvious for the fans - a reward."
Haas driver Kevin Magnussen would like to take the changes even further than P1-P12.
"Maybe give points to everyone," proposed Magnussen. "50 points to P1 and then spread it out.
"It won't change anything at the top, but would make the races more interesting for the bottom five." body check tags ::
