Mercedes F1 Worried That Double-Points In Abu Dhabi Race Will Spoil Finale

As the penultimate race of the '14 F1 season approaches, "concerns are being raised over the double points on offer at the finale in Abu Dhabi," according to Emily Benammar of the Sydney DAILY TELEGRAPH. The new rule "was one of several regulation changes introduced by the FIA for the 2014 edition of the competition in a bid to maximize focus on the championship until the very end of the competition."

But as the climax draws closer, Mercedes (current championship leaders in both driver and constructors standings) has voiced its concerns that "double spoils could overshadow the finale." The team’s one-two in Austin last weekend "put Hamilton 24 points ahead of Rosberg in the overall championship."

Mercedes Exec Dir Toto Wolff: "I don’t have a fear (about the result), but I think the last race with the double points has the potential to overshadow the season. We know why the double points came, and it made sense in the world to make it spectacular for the audience, the fans and the viewers. But now we are in a situation where it could change the outcome." DAILY TELEGRAPH