Bernie Ecclestone gets his wish as F1's double points finale is scrapped

The scheme was introduced in an effort to prolong the life of a championship, but was greeted with overwhelming condemnation by fans

Bernie Ecclestone had introduced double points to maintain interest until the final race of the season (Getty Images)

The controversial double-points system introduced in Formula One for the past season has been abandoned after just one year, as the sport’s chief executive Bernie Ecclestone exclusively revealed in The Independent last month.

The World Motor Sport Council ratified a decision taken following a meeting of the Formula One Commission in Geneva last week. The scheme had been introduced at the behest of Ecclestone in an effort to prolong the life of a championship and attract high television audiences through to the final race.

Ecclestone’s original concept was for the final three races to carry double points, but it was decided at last year’s meeting of the WMSC the system would be employed for only the closing grand prix.

Upon its announcement the decision was greeted with overwhelming condemnation by fans, while drivers past and present also voiced their disapproval.

The WMSC has also stiffened the rules regarding the awarding of a super licence, the document that allows a driver to compete in Formula One, which will come into force for 2016.

Now any driver will be required to hold a valid driving licence, be at least 18 years of age and understand the sporting regulations and international sporting code. He or she will also have to have two years’ experience in minor formulas.

The FIA has released a report into the accident at the Japan Grand Prix which left Jules Bianchi with severe head injuries.

The 396-page report said a number of factors had contributed to Bianchi’s crash into a recovery crane, but found that the Marussia driver “did not slow sufficiently to avoid losing control” on the rain-soaked track. Bianchi, 25, remains in hospital in Nice.