F1 Adopts Major Structure Changes to Satisfy Fans

Formula 1’s governing body have unveiled a number of changes to the structure of the sport to increase its attaction to fans including a budget cap.

The decision on a costs cap, beginning from the 2015 season, has been seen as much needed as costs have been spiralling out of control over the past few years.

A statement from the FIA read: “The principle of a global cost cap has been adopted. The limit will be applied from January 2015.

“A working group will be established within the coming days comprising the FIA, representatives of the commercial rights holder (Bernie Ecclestone) and Team representatives.

“The objective of the working group will be to have regulations approved by the end of June 2014.”

Other changes include awarding double points for the final Grand Prix of the season, which next year takes place in Abu Dhabi on November 23, and a numbers identification system for drivers which they will retain throughout their career.

The decision to award double points, counting towards the drivers’ and constructors’ championships, at the final race of the season was made “to maximise focus on the championship until the end of the campaign”, according to a statement from the International Automobile Federation (FIA) after the meeting of its strategy group..

The move reduces the possibility of a championship being settled before the final race by increasing the number of points available to a driver from 25 to 50.

Vettel Not Impressed

The decision to include the double points system has already seen opposition with Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel regarding the idea as ‘absurd’.

“This is absurd and punishes those who have worked hard for a whole season,” said the 26-year-old, who won the final nine races in 2013.

“Drivers, fans and experts are horrified.”

Red Bull driver Vettel would have lost the 2012 title to Fernando Alonso if such rules had been in place and is far from happy.

“I value the old traditions in Formula One and do not understand this new rule,” he told German newspaper Sport Bild. “Imagine, in the last Bundesliga (football) match of the season there was suddenly double points.”

Other teams and drivers are yet to comment on the plans.

For the new numbers system, drivers will be able to choose any number they want from 2 to 99 and they will retain that number for the duration of their careers.

The exception will be the number one, which will be awarded to the reigning world champion unless he opts to keep his original number.