F1 Drivers Vs FIA on New Rules

Although the FIA ratified their brand new title-awarding system for 2009 in an attempt to provide better on-track battles for race leadership, the F1 drivers came as one in criticizing the new rules. In their opinion, awarding the title to the driver with the most wins and not the most points will create a very chaotic environment for the fans.

The new system could lead to several shortcuts: a driver winning the title way before the last round, consistent drivers not having a shot at winning the F1 title (Robert Kubica in 2008, for example) or simply drivers who score the most points but lose out to the title because of fewer wins.

Following the official statement from the FIA, several drivers – active or retires, champions or non-champions – have expressed their thoughts on the new rules. So here's a short review:

Michael Schumacher

I cannot imagine those changes to help F1, especially regarding the new system to find the champion. I cannot see how it makes sense to eventually have a world champion who has less points than the driver coming in second, even if I also think it is a good move to try to strengthen the winner's position.

Lewis Hamilton

I think it's a shame what's happening to Formula 1. It's hard to believe that these recent decisions will improve things for the trackside spectators and TV viewers, who should always be our number-one priority, but I guess we'll have to wait and see. Whatever the points system, I know that all Formula 1 drivers will always race our hearts out.

Fernando Alonso

I don't understand the need to constantly change the rules of this sport. I think that these types of decisions can only confuse the fans.

Jarno Trulli

It seems to be that formula one wants to die and we will all have to go and race in some other championship. It is right to try to give the public more, to improve the show, but it shouldn't distort the spirit of formula one. I am very, very worried.

Mark Webber

There could be a fraction more aggression shown towards victories in the future because second places won't mean as much, and winning will mean a lot more. Robert Kubica would have been nowhere near the championship last year, and do you want that? (Also) you could have the world champion making more mistakes than the guy who is second.

Jenson Button

I think the public will struggle to understand why a driver with 60 points can become champion instead of the one who has 100. For sure it's an incentive to always go for the win, but it seems risky too - after nine races, we could find ourselves with a driver that has already won the title and can stand still eating ice cream, while the guy in second in the standings is just 18 points behind.

Michael Andretti

A champion is the guy that's been the most consistent throughout the year. I think that's how you should be rewarded. I'm not sure if I totally agree with that.