Ferrari criticises points system

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has hit out at the Formula 1 points-scoring system that was introduced for 2003. Michael Schumacher was made to fight until the last round by McLaren's consistent Kimi Raikkonen before finally securing the drivers' title

Dec 17, 2003, 1:16 PM

With points awarded to the top eight this year (previously it was the top six), the difference between a first and second place was reduced from four to two points. Under the old system Schumacher would have sealed the title one race earlier.

"The new rules are fine, but not the scoring system," Montezemolo told Gazetta dello Sport. "Raikkonen can't end up just two points behind Schumacher having won only one GP compared to Michael's six. It doesn't make sense. From 2005 we'll try to change things."

There will certainly be no change in the points for next season. Reliability and consistency will be even more important next year, when engines will be required to last for a full weekend. Any change of engine will result in the driver being penalized - most likely ruling him out of a hefty points score.