Regulation changes set to shake-up F1 in '14

As well as the much talked about new aerodynamic regulations and the introduction of 1.6 litre turbocharged V6 engines, further regulation changes announced after an F1 Strategy group meeting this week look set to stir up F1 next year.


In an effort to keep the championship battle alive until the final race, the FIA has decided to award double points for the final round of the season. The change, which has been met with opposition from the sport's fans means that 50 points will be available for the winner of next year's Abu Dhabi Grand prix.

Had this rule been in place over the last few years, Fernando Alonso would've been crowned 2012 champion whilst Felipe Massa would've won in 2008.

In addition, drivers will now have to choose a permanent car number rather than have one based on their previous year's position.

In the first change to the car numbering system since 1996, only number one will be reserved (for the champion) whilst every other driver will be expected to choose a number that they will then have to keep for the rest of their career - similar to Moto GP.

Also agreed was the introduction of a 'global cost cap' from 2015.

Whilst no figure has been revealed, the confirmed introduction of a cost cap comes after previous FIA president Max Mosely tried to implement a £30 million cap in 2009. The move was rejected by most teams then and despite raising the proposal to £40 million, teams threatened to leave the sport altogether.

A regulation change that was rejected however was the introduction of two mandatory pitstops per race. Currently, every team must use two different pre-determined tyre compounds per dry race, effectively one mandatory pitstop.

On Monday every team rejected the proposal, put forward in an attempt to avoid tyre dramas that have plagued the past season.

Another change that was rejected was a plan to raise the minimum weight limit by 10 kilograms to 700kg. The weight limit for 2014 had already jumped from 640kg to 690kg to compensate for heavier engines and energy recovery systems that will be introduced next year.

Ferrari, Lotus and Mercedes all blocked the move which was said to stop taller, heavier drivers from being unfairly penalised.