Bernie Ecclestone has admitted that the idea to award double points at the final race of 2014 in Abu Dhabi could be dropped before the drivers reach Australia for the season-opener.

The plan to increase points for the final race was intended to keep interest in the championship going until the final race, but has come in for criticism by some figures within the sport, and the F1 supremo has hinted at a U-turn at the Strategy Group's next meeting in the New Year.

Ecclestone told The Telegraph: "Personally my preference would be for the final three races to be worth double points, but it may well be that the rule is cancelled altogether at the next meeting in January."

"I think it should be the final three races or nothing. The final three races would mean the championship is kept interesting for everyone – fans, press and television – right until the end."

The 2014 season begins with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 16.