Double points rule in F1 sparks debate

Drivers will be awarded double points for the last race of the Formula 1 season, motorsport's governing body FIA has confirmed. The move has already sparked a debate with many former racers and fans giving a thumbs down to the idea.

The FIA announced the points rule Monday besides other changes for the 2014 season.

"Double drivers' and constructors' points will be awarded at the final race of the Formula 1 season in order to maximise focus on the Championship until the end of the campaign," said the FIA adding that it had been unanimously approved at a meeting here with the F1 Strategy Group and the F1 Commission.

This means that the winner of the 2014 season finale at Abu Dhabi will collect 50 points, second placed driver 36 and third 30.

Interestingly, Sebastian Vettel would not have won the 2012 championship ahead of Fernando Alonso had double points were awarded in the finale at Interlagos. Same for the 2008 season when Lewis Hamilton pipped Felipe Massa for the title.

The rule change did not go down well with former F1 driver Martin Brundle.

"Double points for the last F1 GP of the season looks like an answer to a question nobody was asking. Devalues the other races too," Brundle tweeted Tuesday.

"The new F1 rules- like the numbers & 5 sec penalty ideas, don't like the double points (too much of a lottery) & cost cap can't be policed !" wrote Indian driver Karun Chandhok.

Fans too were against the change. Ninety percent of the fans responding to a poll conducted by F1Fanatic were against the idea.