F1 rules change
New rules for Formula 1 sees champion crowned for most wins
The FIA has announced some key changes to the way Formula 1 works, with the 2009 title winner taking the glory for most wins, and not most points.
While the current first to eighth 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 points system remains, the '09 F1 champion will be the driver with the biggest win tally, with points as a back up if the top spot is tied. The rest of the drivers will still be separated by points, while the constructors' championship will be untouched, points still meaning prizes.
The move is pretty revolutionary, with the intention to inspire more overtaking and avoiding drivers sitting back in second place if they don't urgently need the two extra points a win would bring. It would also mean that young Brit Lewis Hamilton wouldn't have been victorious last year - Felipe Massa's six wins would have beaten the McLaren driver's five.
Other changes were announced for the 2010 season, with a voluntary £30m spending cap introduced for teams. Those who choose to comply with it would benefit as a result, gaining a standardised but more aerodynamically efficient underbody, movable wings and an engine free of a rev limit or in-season development freeze. Teams who select to spend as much as they like will theoretically have a slower car, with the £30m cap covering nigh on all team expenditure, drivers' salaries included.
You can read about other recent changes to Formula 1 regulations here.
