Bernie Ecclestone has criticised Formula 1’s current points system, arguing that it provides perverse incentives for drivers to settle for second place rather than fight for wins.
The current rules award 10 points to the race winner, eight to the runner-up and six to the third-place finisher, with the top eight all scoring points.
Under the system used from 1991 to 2002, the winner earned 10 points, with six points going to the runner-up and four to the third-place finisher. Only the top six finishers scored points.
The system was changed in 2003 following Michael Schumacher’s runaway victory in the ’02 championship, when he sealed the title at the French Grand Prix in July.
But Ecclestone believes the small differential between first and second places has made the sport less exciting, because drivers are encouraged to play safe rather than risk an overtaking move for the sake of an extra two points.
“With second place getting eight points it is not right that the winner takes only 10,” the F1 supremo told the Mail on Sunday newspaper.
“For 2008 I will propose a change.”
Elaborating on his reasons for backing a switch, Ecclestone said: “There’s not enough motivation for the driver in second place to go for the win.
“They weigh up the situation and decide it’s not worth the risk of falling off the road just for two lousy points.
“They reckon they might get lucky in the pits and sneak ahead that way, but that’s the only way they are prepared to go for the number one spot.
“All I keep hearing is people moaning about the fact that we don’t see an awful lot of overtaking any more in F1.”
Aside from discouraging overtaking, Ecclestone believes the current points system could result in drivers winning the title through consistency rather than speed – and that this runs counter to the spirit of F1.
“To me, it should be all about winning,” he said.
“The driver who wins the most races in the season should be the world champion.
“It’s as simple as that.
“Second places should only come into the reckoning if both drivers win the same amount of races.”
Ecclestone says he will push for a change in the system as soon as next season.
“Well, obviously not this season because the regulations are set, but I’d like to change it maybe for next season,” he said.
“As the president of the F1 Commission, I shall be bringing it up.”
Source: ITV.com/F1
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