Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has joined F1 fans and media in criticising the new double points rule, the German labelling the idea "absurd".

For next season, in a thoroughly misguided attempt to add spice to the final race and potentially keep the championship battle alive, the season finale will earn drivers double points. This means that next year's season ending event in Abu Dhabi will be worth the same number of points as Monza and Monaco combined, Silverstone and Spa.

While fans take to social media and forums to air their frustration at what they see as another ludicrous move by the sport's powers that be in an attempt to manufacture a result, they have been joined by an unlikely ally, four-time world champion Vettel.

"You can hardly imagine that on the last match of the Bundesliga season, matches are suddenly worth twice as many points," he told Bild. "It's absurd and it punishes the drivers who have worked hard through the whole season. I value the old traditions in Formula One and don't understand this rule. Drivers, fans and experts are horrified."

While the rule, if it had existed, would have had no impact on the outcome of the 2013 championship, if it had applied in 2012 Fernando Alonso would have won the title by 7 points.

by Chris Balfe

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by BigMac, 11/12/2013 9:01

"Isn't the point that the racing has become a lesson on how a driver can drive slow enough to reserve his tyres yet fast enough to keep on the track.

What happened to the fastest driver who not necesarily is sitting in the fastest car, drives the wheels off it to win?

The issue that needs to be addressed is the lack of passing ability and F1 has tried to address this by manufacturing gimmicks such as DRS zones and KERS, adding to this madatory tyres use. There must be a simpler way to increase the passing abilities of an F1 car and therefore adding to the spectacle.

Doubling the points is not the answer... give me strength!!!

Enforcing a maximum aero dynamic down force on the cars would correct this. Cars could pass, drivers could drive and Qualifying tyres would at least give the fans some value for money too.

If I paid $300 for a seat to a 3 day Grand Prix I would want to see my teams out in all practice sessions and qualifying whether that race be at the beginning of the season or the end.

The cost cutting agenda of the FIA is ineffective, counter productive and costing the teams money (wtf!) "

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2. Posted by 6wheeler, 11/12/2013 0:41

"Really? This is the answer? Ok so a lot of people and I mean a lot of people were falling off the F1 wagon. The end of the season became a yawner. Leave it alone, and things will turn around, as in all sports, dynasties come to an end. So will Vettel and RedBull.
"

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3. Posted by Kkiirmki, 10/12/2013 20:10

"He might be using another finger in response to this insanity."

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Vettel labels double points rule "absurd"

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