Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone said yesterday that a medal system will be introduced to prevent drivers becoming world champions “by not winning races”.
The system, which will be introduced from next season, will replace the current structure that sees the top eight drivers in every grand prix earn points in the championship standings, with the winner of each race earns 10 points, second place 8 points and third place 6.
The medal system would see gold, silver and bronze medals being awarded for the top three positions, and the driver with the most race victories at the end of the season takes the championship.
The proposal comes after Lewis Hamilton needed to finish in 5th place at the final grand prix of the season in Brazil to secure the driver’s championship. Hamilton would have failed to win this year's title under the medals system, having only won 5 races to Felipe Massa’s 6.
Ecclestone, the CEO of the Formula One Group, told a press event at London that he has the full support of both the teams and the sport’s governing body the FIA. “It’s going to happen,” he said. “All the teams are happy and the FIA are happy.
“I’m sick of people talking about no over-taking. If I [as a driver] need to get gold medals then I will do that.
The proposal needs to be passed by Formula One’s governing body the FIA when F1’s world council meets next month.
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