Formula 1's double points finale rule too artificial, says Ferrari

F1 teams, the FIA and Formula One Management voted in favour of the idea earlier this month, but their decision has been widely criticised by fans and the media.

AUTOSPORT has learned that teams were pressured into supporting the move because they were told by Bernie Ecclestone that television companies and race promoters had asked for a way to ensure the world title battle was kept alive for longer.

AUTOSPORT's verdict on double points move

Although di Montezemolo has suggested that there could be a rethink over the longer term, he does not think any change will come quickly.

"There has been this decision to give a lot of points at the last race, but I am not enthusiastic about it," di Montezemolo told media at Fiorano. "It looks too much artificial. We will see.

"I remember when they did three points [for winning] in soccer to avoid all the teams going for 0-0, 0-0 [draws]. But this was from the first to the last match."

Di Montezemolo wants to hold a summit meeting with teams at the start of next year to discuss a host of issues about F1's future - one of which is the introduction of rules like double points.

RETHINK UNLIKELY FOR 2014

But even though a unanimous vote from teams could result in the double points plan being ditched, di Montezemolo thinks a move to change it before the end of next season is unlikely.

"I am personally in some doubt," he said. "The best way to discuss and to find out may be to do a one year test and then see. Now is too early to say.

"I also don't want to give the feeling that they [the teams] said yes and now we say no. I personally have some doubts. I said this to [Jean] Todt and I said this to Bernie privately."

In theory, Ferrari could have exercised a rules veto it has to block the regulation change, but di Montezemolo said he was reluctant to do that for a matter like this.

"I think Ferrari's veto right has to be used if it is necessary on something that is more important and more deep for Formula 1," he said.

"But I will not be surprised if this decision in the future will be changed just as F1 changed many times the qualifying approach, to give an example."

Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali (pictured) reckoned that a rethink should not be ruled out due to the widespread criticism of the rule, despite team support in the meeting.

"It would not be wrong to reconsider because it means you have listened to all the interested parties," he said.