Formula One changes scoring system for 2014, doubles points for final race

Nov 18, 2012; Austin, TX, USA; Susan Combs, comptroller of public accounts, David Dewhurst, lieutenant governor, Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel (1) and Sebastian Vettel (1), Fernando Alonso (5), Rick Perry governor of Texas and Nick Craw FIA senate president celebrate the finish of the inaugural running of United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

The International Automobile Federation announced a radical change to next year’s Formula One scoring system on Monday, and the initial response from fans has been, at best, mixed. In an effort to keep the championship up in the air for as long as possible, double the normal number of points will awarded at the season-ending race in Abu Dhabi, creating a high-pressure situation in which even a large lead, earned over the course of many races, isn’t safe.

Andrew Benson, the BBC’s Formula One writer, explained the impact such a change could have:

"If the new system had been in place for the last two decades, three world titles would have been won by a driver other than that year’s eventual world champion. In 2012, Fernando Alonso would have beaten Sebastian Vettel; in 2008, Felipe Massa would have denied Lewis Hamilton; and in 2003 Kimi Raikkonen would have edged out Michael Schumacher."

Although it’s easy to dismiss such an overhaul as a marketing gimmick, it’s understandable why Formula One is concerned about fans’ attention waning over the course of the year. Sebastian Vettel, the Red Bull driver who has won the last four world championships, mathematically secured his 2011 championship with five races left in the year and his 2013 championship with three races remaining. Such dominance, though good for the sport in terms of having a LeBron-like force for fans to cheer for or root against, doesn’t exactly create the most compelling television, and offering the opportunity for drivers to mount a last-race comeback would keep fans and viewers interested until the very end of the year.

You can read about some of the other rule changes here.

[Source: BBC]