The FIA has confirmed three major changes will be made to the 2014 Sporting Regulations in time for next year’s championship.
Permanent Driver Numbers
During a meeting of the F1 Strategy Group and the Formula One Commission in Paris on Monday, unanimous agreement was given to introduce permanent driver numbers.
“Drivers will be asked to choose their race number, between 2 and 99, for the duration of their career in the FIA Formula One World Championship,” read a statement.
“Number 1 will be reserved for the current World Champion, should he choose to use it.
“If more than one driver choses the same number, priority will be given to the driver who finished highest in the previous year’s championship.”
Double Points at the Final Race
In a more controversial move, the final race of the season will be worth double points, therefore a win would award 50 instead of 25, giving a 14 point advantage over coming second, instead of the current 7.
“Double drivers’ and constructors’ points will be awarded at the final race of the Formula One season in order to maximise focus on the Championship until the end of the campaign.
“These changes are immediately applicable, given the mandate assigned to the FIA President at the last World Motor Sport Council meeting, held on 4 December in Paris.”
Had this been implemented in previous years, Kimi Raikkonen would have been champion in 2003 instead of Michael Schumacher, whilst Felipe Massa would have beaten Lewis Hamilton in 2008 and Fernando Alonso would have been the 2012 champion ahead of Sebastian Vettel.
A Five-Second Penalty
Finally, a new penalty has been introduced for more minor infringements.
“The principle of a five-second penalty for minor infringements was agreed,” it added. “In what form such a penalty will be applied will be discussed with Formula One’s teams in order that a new regulation be introduced for 2014 season.”
A Global Cost Cap [2015]
A cost cap has also been agreed, with the details to be ironed out in the coming months before it’s introduced for the 2015 season.
“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 and Team representatives.
“The objective of the working group will be to have regulations approved by the end of June 2014,” confirmed the FIA.
Discussion about this post