1991 · SPORTING
1991 Sporting Regulations
1991 is the year the long-running best-11-of-16 dropped-scores rule for drivers was removed. All 16 race results now counted toward the driver title. At the same time the win was worth 10 points instead of 9, producing the scoring ladder 10-6-4-3-2-1 for top 6. Senna's third and final title came under this revised system. 16 rounds. Pre-qualifying continued at oversubscribed events.
End of dropped scores + 10 points for a win
Two linked changes. First, the dropped-scores mechanism (best 11 of 16 count) that had been in place since the 1970s was removed — all results counted going forward. Second, the winner's points were raised from 9 to 10, increasing the reward for winning relative to consistency. 10-6-4-3-2-1 became the base scoring ladder and stayed in place through 2002.
Key changes
- All 16 results now count (end of dropped scores).
- Win worth 10 points (up from 9).
Last updated: 2026-04-24
This summary is editorial material prepared by F1pedia for general F1 audiences. It is not a legal reference. For binding rule text, consult the official FIA document.