Formula 1: Massa ahead in both point systems

D he new point system received a lot of criticism before the season . It should reward the winners and give the little ones a chance to go home with points. After three races the question is allowed: Was it worth it?

At first glance, yes. The first seven of the World Cup table are only separated by nine points. Even eighth-placed Mark Webber is still 15 points behind. A total of 14 of the 24 drivers and eight of the twelve teams have already scored championship points. So everything is OK?

Massa without a race win at the top

Not quite. The new point format wanted to reward the winner, but at the top is someone who has not yet won a race. Felipe Massa took the lead with two podium places and a seventh place. After all, Nico Hülkenberg and Jaime Alguersuari benefited from the points blessing. Both have something on the plus side in the table. That would have been different a year ago. There were zeros for ninth and tenth places.

If you calculate the world championship stand according to the old system, it becomes apparent that the order would have been practically the same. Even with the 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 scheme, Massa would now lead the world championship. And the first seven drivers would only be separated by four counters. In view of the fact that there are now 2.5 times as many points as before, that fits exactly into the picture.

McLaren drivers benefit

In the order of the top ten, only two positions would have shifted a year ago. The McLaren drivers Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton would be one place worse off according to the old calculation. Nico Rosberg and Robert Kubica are each one position ahead. Two drivers who have so far been without a win.

This leads to the conclusion: This year, too, hard-working points will be rewarded. Or as Fernando Alonso says: 'Today, as then, you can't afford zero rounds.' The Spaniard has had one on his account since the GP Malaysia.