The Formula 1 rulebook is set for another rewrite as the FIA clarifies the procedure relating to how points are awarded for shortened races.
The change is needed, given the farcical way in which Max Verstappen was confirmed as drivers' champion last season. He earned enough points by winning the Japanese Grand Prix to make it mathematically secure – not that he knew it at first.
It was a shortened race as very heavy rain and an early Carlos Sainz crash led to a lengthy red flag delay. A little over half distance was completed, which left many believing that three-quarter points would be awarded for the race.
That was based on a change made a year earlier, after the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix washout which was supposed to make it more clear how points would be awarded. Less than 25% race completion would see quarter points given out, half points for 25-50, three-quarters up to 75% and full points for any distance beyond that.
But the specific wording of that amendment, as was discovered last year in Japan, still led to some confusion. It soon emerged that points system was for races which were stopped but not restarted – as the Suzuka race was able to resume, that points system was not relevant.
Verstappen was initially under the impression that he had not gained enough points to make it certain he was champion that weekend. Had the reduced points system been used then he would have been correct, but it wasn't and he actually found out in bizarre scenes in the post-race cool down room.
Teams had meant for the system to cover all races which are not completed, and so the rules will be rewritten again. FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem confirmed that to Motorsport.com as he insisted his organisation was not to blame for the confusion.
He said: "Yes, it's changing. Steve [Nielsen], who is the sporting director, is going to improve it. Going back to Japan. First of all, if you look, before the next race, we had a complete report. It was never done before. We had it on the website of the FIA.
"Then coming to the points: who chose that? The teams. Who approved them? The teams. We just had to implement them. And who takes the blame? Us. Honestly. Where is the fairness? Tell me. This frustrates [me]."
