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Double points are 'cheap' - Newey

ESPN Staff
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Adrian Newey is not a fan of the changes to the season finale © Sutton Images
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Red Bull's Adrian Newey is the latest F1 figure to speak out against the double points finale, stating his belief that it cheapens the sport.

On the whole reaction to the format, which will be implemented for the Abu Dhabi race in November, has been negative, with 1997 champion Jacques Villeneuve speaking out against it last week. Though Red Bull has dominated proceedings for the past four years, two of Sebastian Vettel's titles in that time, in 2009 and 2011, have come down to the final race of the season.

Newey insists he also sees no reason why one of the newest races on the calendar should take precedent over others, likening the "artificial" format to professional wrestling.

"It's a personal view, but I'm not a fan of it at all," Newey told Autosport.com. "To me it just seems very artificial that third place [in Abu Dhabi] will now be worth more than first place at Monaco or another race.

"It's a shame that in the drive to try to keep the championship alive to the very last race you take this artificial route to it. [It] just seems to me to be cheapening the sport. It makes it just a little bit WWF to me."

Aside from Damon Hill, one of the few in F1 to publically back the double points finale, it seems most people in F1 need convincing of the merits of the format, but Newey believes the success of the November 23 race this season will determine whether or not it continues beyond 2014.

"I think for this year, no [the rule will not be scrapped].

"Whether it gets changed for subsequent seasons or not is going to depend on public opinion post the end of the season.

"If, of course, viewing figures are much higher and people aren't turning off in protest then it will be deemed a success and will continue."

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