Bernie Ecclestone wants to scrap the conventional points scoring system used in F1 racing in favour of Olympic-style medals. Ecclestone, who is widely regarded as one of the most influential people in the sport, believes that the current system rewards consistency over victory and stifles competition between racers.

Under the new proposal, the driver who wins the most races (and by extension, obtains the most gold medals) will be crowned the overall victor of the championship.

Had the scheme been implemented a month ago, Lewis Hamilton would never have become the youngest champion in F1 history. Ferrari's Felipe Massa, having won an additional race in Brazil, would have taken the crown for himself.

The current points system dictates that the top eight teams in a race are awarded points on a descending scale. Bernie Ecclestone’s scheme, however, will encourage drivers to race faster in order to achieve a position in the top three. Points will not be awarded for cars that finish in fourth place or below.

Ecclestone has said that most of the F1 racing teams are in agreement with him but the general public has voiced concerns about meddling with an established and functional points system. A large majority of F1 fans feel that Bernie Ecclestone has become detached from the sport and is implementing rules to appease a minority.

Consistency, not speed, has always been rewarded in F1 racing; removing the need for thoughtful driving may make a mockery of established etiquette.

The FIA and the Formula One Teams Association will meet to discuss the proposal in Monaco on December 12th.