FIA introduce penalty points system and pole position trophy for F1 in 2014

The FIA has introduced a penalty points system and pole position trophy for Formula 1 in 2014.

If drivers accrue 12 points during a year, they will be handed a one-race ban. The points will then be reset.

“Penalty points will remain on a driver's Superlicence for a period of 12 months after which they will be respectively removed on the 12-month anniversary of their imposition,” said the FIA.

Motorsport’s governing body also announced a pole position trophy that will be awarded to the driver who scores the most P1 grid slots during the season.

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel would have won this year’s trophy, having scored nine pole positions to his nearest challenger Lewis Hamilton's five.

However, Hamilton would have won it in 2012, scoring seven poles to Vettel’s six.

In the event of a tie, the number of second places will be taken into account. If a tie remains, the number of third places comes into play and so on until a winner emerges.

Meanwhile, the FIA has begun a search for new teams to join the grid from 2015 or 2016.

The last time the FIA allowed new teams to enter was in 2010, when HRT, US F1, Lotus Racing – now Caterham and Virgin Racing – now Marussia were granted a place.

US F1 never made it to the grid, while HRT folded at the end of last season. Caterham and Marussia continue on a current grid of 11.

Interested parties must register formal interest by January 3 2014. A full application will be required on February 28.

"The overall long­ term interests of the championship will determine which candidates are selected," said the FIA.