What Is 2019 FIA Formula 1 World Championship

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 FIA Formula 1 World Championship was the 70th season of the premier open-wheel racing series, held from March 17 to December 1, 2019, featuring 21 Grands Prix. Mercedes won the Constructors' Championship, while Lewis Hamilton secured his sixth Drivers' title with 413 points.

Key Facts

The 2019 season consisted of 21 Grands Prix, starting with the Australian GP on March 17 and ending with the Abu Dhabi GP on December 1.
Lewis Hamilton won the Drivers' Championship with 413 points, finishing 73 points ahead of teammate Valtteri Bottas.
Mercedes claimed the Constructors' Championship with a total of 739 points, 257 more than second-place Ferrari.
Max Verstappen won the Austrian Grand Prix in June, marking his first victory since 2018 and Red Bull’s only win in the first half of the season.
The season introduced standardized 'halo' cockpit protection devices on all cars, improving driver safety after Charlie Whiting’s death in March.

Overview

The 2019 FIA Formula 1 World Championship marked the 70th running of the premier single-seater racing series, organized by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). It featured 21 races across five continents, from the season opener in Melbourne to the finale in Abu Dhabi, with circuits ranging from street tracks to permanent road courses.

Mercedes dominated both championships, continuing their streak of constructor dominance since 2014. Lewis Hamilton claimed his sixth Drivers' title, becoming one of only two drivers—alongside Michael Schumacher—to achieve that milestone.

Lewis Hamilton won 11 of the 21 races, including key victories in Germany, Hungary, and the United States, solidifying his championship lead.
Valtteri Bottas secured 8 pole positions and won 5 races, finishing second in the Drivers' Championship with 326 points.
Charles Leclerc, driving for Ferrari, earned 2 wins in Belgium and Italy, marking his breakthrough season at just 21 years old.
The Australian Grand Prix on March 17 was the first race of the season, won by Valtteri Bottas after a strong Mercedes performance.
Max Verstappen won 3 races (Austria, Germany, Brazil), showcasing Red Bull’s competitiveness on high-speed circuits.

How It Works

The FIA Formula 1 World Championship operates under a strict set of technical, sporting, and safety regulations that govern team operations, car design, and race procedures. Each race weekend follows a standard format, with practice sessions, qualifying, and the main Grand Prix on Sunday.

Qualifying Format: Divided into three sessions (Q1, Q2, Q3), the fastest 15 drivers advance from Q1, with only the top 10 competing in Q3 to determine pole position.
Points System: The top 10 finishers earn points, with 25 points awarded to the winner, decreasing incrementally down to 1 point for 10th place.
Constructor Collaboration: Teams like Mercedes and Ferrari design and build their own chassis and power units, with technical partnerships limited by FIA cost cap regulations introduced later.
Driver Safety: The mandatory halo device, introduced in 2018, protected drivers in multiple incidents during 2019, including Romain Grosjean’s 2020 crash.
Technical Regulations: 2019 cars featured 1.6L V6 turbocharged hybrid engines producing over 1,000 horsepower, with strict fuel flow limits.
Race Strategy: Teams used up to three tire compounds per race, supplied by Pirelli, requiring pit stops and strategic planning for optimal performance.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top three teams in the 2019 Constructors' Championship based on points, wins, and podium finishes.

Team	Points	Wins	Podiums	Fastest Laps
Mercedes	739	15	30	10
Ferrari	504	2	13	5
Red Bull	417	3	11	4
McLaren	145	0	1	1
Racing Point	95	0	0	1

Mercedes' dominance was evident not only in total points but also in their consistency—securing 15 wins and 30 podiums across the season. Ferrari showed speed in qualifying but struggled with race-day reliability and strategy, while Red Bull capitalized on mid-season upgrades to close the gap.

Why It Matters

The 2019 season was pivotal for Formula 1, both competitively and technologically, setting the stage for future regulation changes and driver legacies. It highlighted the growing gap between top teams and midfield competitors, prompting FIA reforms.

Hamilton’s sixth title positioned him closer to Schumacher’s record of seven, increasing global interest in his career trajectory.
Charles Leclerc’s emergence signaled a generational shift, with young drivers like him and Verstappen shaping the sport’s future.
The halo’s effectiveness was validated during multiple incidents, leading to universal praise from drivers and officials.
Mercedes’ dominance sparked debates about competitive balance, influencing the 2021 regulation overhaul to level the playing field.
Increased global viewership in markets like the U.S. and Asia reflected F1’s expanding digital and media presence.
The season’s carbon footprint drew environmental scrutiny, pushing FIA toward sustainability goals for 2030.

The 2019 championship not only defined individual legacies but also accelerated F1’s transformation into a more inclusive, safer, and globally relevant motorsport series.