Formula One: Double points to be scrapped next year, say reports

World champion Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain celebrates his title success in Abu Dhabi on Nov 23, 2014. The controversial "double points" system in the final Formula One Grand Prix of the season will be abandoned next year, British mag
World champion Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain celebrates his title success in Abu Dhabi on Nov 23, 2014. The controversial "double points" system in the final Formula One Grand Prix of the season will be abandoned next year, British magazine Autosport reported on Wednesday. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

PARIS (AFP) - The controversial "double points" system in the final Formula One Grand Prix of the season will be abandoned next year, British magazine Autosport reported on Wednesday.

The Formula One Commission, meeting in Geneva, has decided to overturn the initiative by Bernie Ecclestone, designed to add spice to the season-ending race, the magazine said.

Double points came in for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last weekend in a bid to keep the title fight alive to the finish.

But the gimmick proved hugely unpopular with fans and in the end played no role in the championship battle, with Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton comfortably picking up his second world title.

The agreement still needs to be approved by the sport's governing body the FIA's World Motor Sport Council, which meets in Doha on Dec 3.

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