2010 Points system

The top ten cars will be awarded points, the winner receiving 25 points. The total number of points won at each race are added together and the driver and constructor with the most points at the end of the season are World Champions.

To receive points, a driver must be Classified. Strictly speaking in order to be Classified a driver need not finish the race, but complete at least 90% of the winner's race distance. Therefore, it is possible for a driver to receive some points even though he retired before the end of the race.

In the event that less than 75% of the race laps are completed, only half points are awarded to the drivers and constructors. This has happened on only five occasions in the history of the championship, with the last occurrence at the 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix when the race was called off after 31 laps due to torrential rain, and decided the championship winner on at least one occasion.
A driver can switch teams during the season and keep any points gained at the previous team.