Double points ditched for 2015posted in F126 | 11 | 2014
JUST DAYS AFTER Lewis Hamilton was crowned world champion for the second time, Formula 1 teams have agreed to drop double points and standing starts after safety car restarts for 2015.
The decision, which follows a meeting of the Strategy Group and F1 Commission in Geneva, removes two of the most controversial rules in F1.
The 'double points' gimmick was introduced by F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone for 2014 in a bid to keep the title fight alive longer. But the move was hugely unpopular with fans and teams quickly realised the sport would be better off going back on the plan.
The 'standing safety car starts' rule has lasted even less time. Voted through only earlier this year by the F1 Commission, a deeper look at its implications over recent weeks prompted widespread safety concerns. It's now been ditched.
The meeting also addressed the topic of cost cuts and a cost cap, but the only concession given was for leading teams to say they would be open to Caterham and Marussia running year-old engines next year if it would help them survive.
And significantly, no agreement was reached on relaxing F1's engine freeze: understandably, the dominant Mercedes team — which won 16 of this season's 10 grands prix — was unwilling to open up the regulations.
F1's radio ban will also continue in its current guise for 2015.
Related: Scot Ryan Dalziel to tackle WEC and Le Mans 24-Hours in 2015
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Jim McGill