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As first revealed by Autosport, F1 teams and series bosses are considering the idea of expanding current points-paying positions beyond the current top 10.
A proposal to cover the top 12 was assessed at a recent F1 Commission meeting, but it was felt more time was needed to develop a foolproof plan.
And it has emerged that the main factor currently being discussed is whether or not points should be awarded much further back – and potentially up to 20th.
Speaking about the latest points proposal, Williams team boss James Vowles said: “I think changing the points is reasonable, but there were just questions about where do we go? Is it basically P12, P14, P16 or all cars.
“It was a very good conversation at the F1 Commission about this, where the room was pretty united in doing something that was good for the sport. However, let’s take our time to get it right and let’s do it once.
Aston Martin team boss Mike Krack said that with F1’s audience changing in recent years, it was right to consider a radical shake-up in the way points were distributed.
“I think the system needs to be reviewed,” he explained. “We also have a new fan base. We are no longer the purists we were all these years. So I think it’s definitely time to take a look. Personally, I think you should always fight for something, wherever you are.
“I think there was a good consensus within the F1 Commission that we wanted to make an adjustment, but we shouldn’t rush it, because we don’t want to change it again later.” So I think it’s important that we think about it carefully and then discuss different proposals next time.
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, during the team bosses’ press conference
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Although there has been criticism that extending the number of points would make it too easy to earn them, McLaren CEO Zak Brown believes offering points to every finisher has its merits.
“I think there might be an argument for everyone,” he said. “It would obviously be a real overhaul.
“I think as soon as points come into play, every pass becomes even more important. Sometimes cars stop, save money on their car, wear out, because they no longer have points. That would eliminate that.
“If a faster car is pushed to the back, every overtake counts. So, I think there’s an argument you could make for the entire grid – and certainly no less than 12.
“But I think, as James mentioned, we have to change it once and that’s what we agreed at the FIA Commission: let’s do a review. I think all the teams were at the same point, that increasing the points is a good thing to do. “
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