Ecclestone to remove 'controversial' double points reward from next season

Bernie Ecclestone, the Formula One (F1) chief executive, has stated that he would no longer back a repeat of his controversial double points format at the last race of the season.

Since the introduction of the new format last year, it has attracted widespread criticism not only from F1 personalities, but also from fans. The innovation would decide the world champion, scheduled to be contested between Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg at the season-ending final race next weekend in Abu Dhabi, the Independent reported.

According to the four-time champion Sebastian Vettel, the new format was absurd in the sense that it punishes those who have worked hard for a whole season.

Commenting on the double point reward, Mercedes' executive director, Toto Wolff said that the new format should be repealed in the next season as nobody likes them, including Ecclestone.

However, Ecclestone said that he had actually created the plan for the last three races to be worth double. It would have made more sense had the plan would have been introduced for the last three races, he added.

He further said that he would not support repeating the scheme as it requires the consent from all the teams. The implementation of the initially proposed scheme for the last three races would mean that a team would require minimum 150 point advantage to win the season. However, he believes that teams just think in the short term.

Currently, the double-points plan would increase Rosberg's chances of emerging victorious ahead of Hamilton in Abu Dhabi GP, with the winner receiving 50 points instead of the usual 25.