New points for F1?

In 2002, only the first six in each Grand Prix received one or more point(s) for their performance in the race. Eight years later, the Formula 1 is in the process of rewarding four more drivers. Since the 2003 reform, following the extreme domination of Michael Schumacher in the F1 world championship, the discipline had not reviewed its points allocation system.

However, Bernie Ecclestone and Max Mosley tried to move the lines last winter. After the idea of ​​offering medals on the podium, the F1 Commission proposed to designate the world champion based on the number of race victories. Faced with the outcry from those involved in the discipline, the Max-Bernie tandem had to backtrack.

But this time the Commission is proposing a change due to the increase in the number of cars on the grid. With the field increasing from 20 to 26 single-seaters, the F1 Commission, which brought together representatives of the teams, sponsors and promoters, wishes to offer points up to the tenth of a race. About ten years ago, there were so many cars on the starting grid, with only six drivers rewarded with points on the finish line.

In addition to the extension of the number of cars entering the points, the F1 Commission, chaired by Bernie Ecclestone with the support of Jean Todt, wishes to reward performance more than regularity. Indeed, the new points allocation system offers a significant gap between the winner of a Grand Prix (25 points) and the fourth in the race (10). The Commission proposes the following points system: 1st: 25; 2nd: 20; 3rd: 15; 4th: 10; 5th: 8; 6th: 6; 7th: 5; 8th: 3; 9th: 2; 10th: 1.

This change in the allocation of points must be validated this Friday by the World Motor Sport Council. In addition, the F1 Commission has empowered a sporting working group to make proposals to improve the spectacle in Formula 1 for the next season. The next meeting of the F1 Commission will be held on March 10, 2010 in Bahrain, as part of the first Grand Prix of the next F1 season.