Formula One legends blast Bernie Ecclestone's double points system for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

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A trio of Formula One's old stars have criticised Bernie Ecclestone's controversial double points system for the final Grand Prix this year.

With just 17 points separating Mercedes team-mates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg going into the last three races of the season - starting with Sunday's event in the United States - it appears certain double points will have an impact in Abu Dhabi on November 23.

It is precisely the scenario Ecclestone envisaged when he conjured up the idea, with the 84-year-old likely to be feeling proud of himself.

Bernie Ecclestone introduced a double points system for the final race of the Formula One season

It is a far cry from the gold-medal scheme Ecclestone proposed a few years back, one which would have resulted in Hamilton being crowned champion at the last race in Russia given he has won nine races to Rosberg's four.

For the likes of Sir Stirling Moss, Sir Jackie Stewart and John Surtees, however, they all feel the awarding of double points in the last race to simply prolong the entertainment is abhorrent to the sport.

Moss, renowned as the greatest driver never to win a title as he was runner-up on four occasions, said: 'I have enjoyed the races this year, they have been extremely good.

'Although there is no doubt to win a race you need a Mercedes engine first, and then you need Lewis.

Sir Jackie Stewart said he disagreed with the rule, saying it ruined the 'purity' of the system

'Lewis is certainly a very fast, competent driver, and well lined up for his second title.

'But I don't really like the idea of double points at the last race. It seems to be a pretty stupid thing to do.'

Hamilton faces the prospect of potentially winning 11 races, yet he could still miss out on his second championship.

It is why Surtees, the only man ever to win world titles on two and four wheels, feels Rosberg still has every chance of being champion.

Surtees said: 'It's not a very satisfactory situation.

Lewis Hamilton currently leads the drivers' standings but the new rule means overall victory is far from certain

'It is a gimmick I don't particularly like. I'm not sure it's fair on drivers or teams, but it is a factor.

'So I wouldn't underestimate Nico in any way as he's a very intelligent driver, although he has made the odd mistake lately.'

Surtees, who celebrated the 50th anniversary of his F1 triumph at the weekend, has been thoroughly impressed with the way Hamilton has handled himself of late.

'Lewis does appear to have found some calmness in his driving,' added Surtees.

'Some of the things he has said and done off the track were once counter-productive for both the sport and for him.

John Surtees was pleased with the maturity Hamilton had begun to show on and off the track

'But it's been pleasing to see he has come to a point where he is focusing more and seems to be presenting himself in a better fashion.'

Three-times world champion Stewart, meanwhile, has again voiced his dissatisfaction with the double-points scenario.

'I'm not a supporter,' said a dismissive Stewart.

'I don't think they should be there. We have to keep it pure. I don't think it's going to add anything to the season.

'I would rather the world championship was won on purity, which means one set of points.' 

Sir Stirling Moss described the double points system as 'a pretty stupid thing to do'