Formula 1 bosses have agreed to drop the controversial double points rule as well as the proposal for standing restarts in 2015 following a meeting this week in Abu Dhabi.
Both rules courted strong negative opinion from F1 fans when they were announced. Whilst standing restarts – where drivers would be required to line up on the grid in position following a safety car period – was put aside for further discussion, double points was implemented immediately.
The rule swung the title battle in Nico Rosberg’s favour despite the German having only won five races to Lewis Hamilton’s ten at the time.
Eventually the rule had no say in the outcome when Rosberg’s car hit trouble and he limped across the line in 14th, but the strong criticism, even from those who voted for it, will now see it dropped completely.
Also up for discussion was cost cutting ideas to help ease the financial strain of a handful of smaller outfits. Very little is believed to have been agreed other than some teams being able to use 2014’s power units at a reduced price, rather than upgrading to the 2015 unit.
The strategy group also agreed that F1’s radio ban would remain in its current form, rather than tightening up on what can and can’t be shared.
