F1 to award reduced points in shortened races after rule rethink

Formula 1 has rewritten a rule to ensure reduced points are given for shortened races after Red Bull's Max Verstappen clinched his second title in confusing circumstances last October.

The Formula 1 commission, which groups the 10 teams and governing body FIA as well as the commercial rights holder, met in London ahead of next week's season-opening race in Bahrain.

A statement on key decisions - to be rubber-stamped by FIA's World Motor Sport Council - included a change of wording "to ensure that shorter races have reduced points even if they don't finish with a suspended race."

Last year's rain-hit Japanese race was halted after two laps and resumed more than two hours later with 28 of the scheduled 53 laps completed. Even Verstappen was unsure how many points he had won.

It turned out to be full points, enough for Verstappen to clinch the title.

REUTERS