Formula set to overhaul points system

Button would still have won the World Championship under the rule change (GETTY IMAGES)

Formula One is set to formalise new regulations for the expanded 13-team championship to include a points system that would reward the top 10 drivers while handing race winners 25 points.

Second-place drivers will earn 18 points, then it will go 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 and 1. Since 1993, it went 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1.

Jenson Button would still have captured the 2009 championship, but by a greater margin over Sebastian Vettel with the new system.

FIA, the sport's governing body, is also proposing to eliminate the contentious double diffuser from 2011 and have the top-10 race qualifiers start on their qualifying tires.

The proposals will be submitted to the World Motor Sport Council for approval within 48 hours, FIA says.