The FIA is set to change the rules that concern shortened races, confirmed after the F1 Commission meeting on Monday.
One of the most controversial moments of the past F1 season took place during the Belgian Grand Prix. Inclement weather did not allow the race control to give the green light. However, the drivers still covered 3 laps behind the Safety Car. The race was declared official and the top 10 drivers were awarded half points.
The decision caused a lot of disputes. The fans were not provided with ticket refunds by the promoter because the race was called official as well as some drivers did not agree that points should be awarded for a race like that.
The FIA looks to change the regulations in order not to repeat the Belgian GP incident. Thereby, no world championship points will be awarded in a race “unless a minimum of two laps have been completed by the leader without a Safety Car and/or Virtual Safety Car intervention.”
If the race leader has covered more than 2 laps, but less than 25% of the distance, only the top 5 drivers will get the points (the points allocation: 6-4-3-2-1).
If the leader has completed between 25% and 50 % of the race distance, the top 9 drivers will be awarded the points (the points allocation: 13-10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1).
In case the leader has covered between 50% and 75% of the race distance, the top 10 drivers will be given the points (the points allocation: 19-14-12-9-8-6-5-3-2-1).
The new rules are subject to approval by the World Motor Sport Council.
