Lewis Hamilton would not have won the driver’s title this year until Bernie Ecclestone’s proposed medal scheme. Photograph: Vladimir Rys/Getty Images

Formula one president Bernie Ecclestone wants to scrap the sport’s current points system and instead replace it with an Olympics-style medal scheme. Under the new proposal, the eventual world champion would be the driver who amassed the most gold medals.

Although the plan will not be presented to the motor sport’s governing body, the FIA, until December, Ecclestone is convinced his idea - designed to increase overtaking as drivers go all out for victory - will find favour. “Everybody is happy with the idea, they are all very supportive,” he said. “I’m absolutely 100% sure it’s the right way to go, it’ll get them overtaking.”

Under the proposed system, the first three drivers would be awarded a gold, silver or bronze medal instead of the 10, eight and six points they are awarded now. Those finishing outside the top three would not be awarded points towards the drivers’ championship but their positions would count in the overall rankings. The constructors’ championship will be unaffected by the changes.

Had the planned system been in place this season, Lewis Hamilton would have been beaten into second place by Felipe Massa, whose victory in the Brazilian grand prix gave him six wins to Hamilton’s five.

guardian.co.uk