Charlie Whiting has played down moves to dramatically simplify the Formula 1 rulebook.

F1's decision-making Strategy Group, featuring Bernie Ecclestone and the teams, met in Geneva this week and vowed to push the FIA to slash the rules that penalise drivers for their racing style.

Race director Charlie Whiting said that he doubts a simple rule book, like that seen in the '70s and '80s, can be achieved.

"Unfortunately I think the whole sport has become more complex," he said.

"All the rules on driving could be summed up with: drivers must drive safely. But when you have a simple rule like that, you are continually asked exactly what does that mean? Can we do this? Can we do that?

"So I personally don't see any likelihood of the rules becoming simpler, because we do have a complex sport, that's really how it is and that's how it's developed over the last 20 or so years."

However, Germany's Auto Bild claims that Whiting is proposing to improve the way penalties are applied by appointing a permanent steward.

Whiting also defended his decision to red-flag the race in Brazil last weekend for the second time, to the displeasure of many.

"The rain was constantly changing in intensity," he told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

"The drivers at the front wanted to race, of course, because they had the best visibility. But most of the drivers said the conditions were just as bad."

The 2016 season concludes next weekend with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.