Paris, France (SportsNetwork.com) - Formula One's governing body, the FIA, revealed numerous regulation changes, which include awarding double points for next year's season-ending race in Abu Dhabi.
The FIA said in a release on Monday that "double drivers' and constructors' points will be awarded at the final race of the Formula One season in order to maximize focus on the championship until the end of the campaign." The winner of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, scheduled for Nov. 23, will receive 50 points instead of 25 points.
Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull have won the drivers' and constructors' championships in each of the past four seasons. This year, Vettel and his team clinched the titles with three race remaining.
In addition to the double points, a cost cap has been adopted. The limit will be applied from January 2015. The FIA noted that "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.
Furthermore, drivers will allowed to choose their race number, between 2 and 99, for the remainder of their F1 career. The current world champion (Vettel) will receive the No. 1, should he choose to use it. If more than one driver chooses the same number, priority will be given to the driver who finished highest in the previous year's championship.
A new five-second penalty for minor infringements during a race has been instituted. In what form the penalty will be applied will be discussed with F1 teams in order that a new regulation be introduced for next season, which begins with the March 16 Australian Grand Prix.
The regulation changes were unanimously approved during a meeting of the F1 Strategy Group and the Formula One Commission on Monday in Paris.
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