The FIA announces changes for 2014

The FIA has just announced, via a statement on its official website, a series of regulatory changes applicable immediately, following a meeting of the F1 Strategy Group and the Formula 1 Commission in Paris, this Monday, December 9. The following elements were unanimously approved, the statement specifies. Among these, points that are not surprising such as the desire to limit costs or the return of permanent numbers for drivers. However, the doubling of points during the last race of the season had not been mentioned.

A cost limitation for 2015

The principle of cost limitation has been endorsed. This would take effect from January 2015. The statement specifies that a working group will be created in the coming days, bringing together the FIA, representatives of the commercial rights holders, and representatives of the teams, with the aim of reaching an acceptable compromise regarding the rules and modalities of this cost cap by the end of June 2014.

Pneumatic tests in Bahrain from December 17 to 19, 2013

It was mentioned a few days ago, and it is now official: the Sakhir circuit will host tests from December 17 to 19, aimed at testing the 2014 version tires that could not be used during Free Practice 1 of the 2013 Brazilian Grand Prix. The statement specifies that although all teams were invited, only six will be present: Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, Force India, and Toro Rosso.

This change in the test schedule is based on security considerations, explains the FIA.

The doubling of points during the last Grand Prix of the season

The most surprising announcement in this press release is an agreement reached on the issue of doubling the points awarded for the drivers’ and constructors’ championships at the final race of the season.

This measure decided in order to maximize attention on the Championship until the end of the season resembles a double-or-nothing that could potentially overturn a sporting situation. In practice, the winner of a race would earn 50 points, the second 36 points, the third 30, etc.

The return of permanent numbers

In the air for several weeks, the possibility for a driver to choose a number that will follow them throughout their career has been adopted. Drivers will have to choose between 2 and 99, while the number 1 will be reserved for the world champion driver should they wish to use it. In the event of competition for the same number, the driver who finished highest in the previous year’s standings will have priority.

The adoption of new penalties

The principle of a 5-second penalty for minor infractions has been accepted, while leaving discussions with the teams to define the use of this penalty for 2014.