Final F1 Race of 2014 Will Pay Double Points to Keep Championship Close

The F1 Strategy Group and Formula One Commission decided at their meeting on Monday, December 9, that the final race of the 2014 calendar at Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina circuit will award double points. The decision is in hopes of keeping the championship in play through the end of the season.

The decision covers both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships, and it means that first place at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will away 50 points, 36 points for second, 30 points for third, 24 points for fourth, 20 points for fifth, 16 points for sixth, 12 points for seventh, eight points for eighth place, four points for ninth place and two points for tenth place.

The change in rules could play a major role in the championship. For example, if the rule had been in place for the 2012 season, Fernando Alonso’s second place in the Brazilian Grand Prix would have moved him ahead of Sebastian Vettel and given Alonso the championship. Massa’s victory in the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix would have made his the drivers’ champion that year, rather than Lewis Hamilton.

FIA Publishes Official 2014 F1 Schedule with 19 Races

Source: Autosport