The German was a runaway world champion this year, grabbing his fourth title with nine wins in a row.

The new points plan, announced this week, is viewed as a way to keep the championship alive as long as possible.But Red Bull racer Vettel said: “This is absurd and punishes those who have worked hard for a whole season.

“I value the old traditions in Formula One and don’t understand this new rule.

“Imagine in the last Bundesliga football match there was suddenly double points. Drivers, fans and experts are horrified.”