A trio of Formula One’s old stars have all criticised Bernie Ecclestone’s controversial double-points system for the final grand prix this year.
With just 17 points separating Mercedes team-mates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg going into the last three races of the season – starting with Sunday’s event in the United States – it appears certain double points will have an impact in Abu Dhabi on November 23.
It is precisely the scenario Ecclestone envisaged when he conjured up the idea, with the 84-year-old likely to be feeling proud of himself.
It is a far cry from the gold-medal scheme Ecclestone proposed a few years back, one which would have resulted in Hamilton being crowned champion at the last race in Russia given he has won nine races to Rosberg’s four.
For the likes of Stirling Moss, Jackie Stewart and John Surtees, however, they all feel the awarding of double points in the last race to simply prolong the entertainment is abhorrent to the sport.
Moss, renowned as the greatest driver never to win a title as he was runner-up on four occasions, said: “Lewis Hamilton is certainly a very fast, competent driver, and well lined up for his second title.
“But I don’t really like the idea of double points at the last race. It seems to be a pretty stupid thing to do.”
Hamilton faces the prospect of potentially winning 11 races, yet he could still miss out on his second championship.
It is why Surtees, the only man ever to win world titles on two and four wheels, feels Rosberg still has every chance of being champion.
Surtees said: “It’s not a very satisfactory situation.
“I’m not sure it’s fair on drivers or teams, but it is a factor. So I wouldn’t underestimate Nico in any way as he’s a very intelligent driver, although he has made the odd mistake lately.”
Three-times world champion Stewart, meanwhile, has again voiced his dissatisfaction with the double-points scenario.
“I’m not a supporter,” said a dismissive Stewart.
“I don’t think they should be there. We have to keep it pure. I don’t think it’s going to add anything to the season.
“I would rather the world championship was won on purity, which means one set of points.”