Grand Prix winners should receive gold medals instead of points next season with the Formula One championship title going to whoever wins most, according to commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

"Everybody is happy with the idea, they are all very supportive," said the 78-year-old.

"I'm absolutely 100 per cent sure it's the right way to go. It will get the drivers overtaking."

The idea has yet to be presented to the International Automobile Federation's governing motor sport council, whose next meeting is scheduled for Monaco on 12 December.

The Formula One Teams Association, representing all 10 teams, are also expected to discuss the revolutionary plan at their next gathering.

Ecclestone wants to drop the existing points format to make races more exciting and ensure drivers go all out for victory rather than driving strategically to bank points and secure the title.

At 23 years old, McLaren's Lewis Hamilton became the sport's youngest champion by a single point this season after finishing fifth in a nail-biting final race in Brazil this month.

However, Ferrari's Felipe Massa, who won his home race in Brazil, would have been champion under a medals system since he had six victories to the Briton's five.

Under Ecclestone's Olympic-style system, the top three drivers in every grand prix would get gold, silver and bronze medals instead of 10, eight and six points.

Those who finished fourth and below would not get points towards the drivers' championship but their placings would count for the overall rankings.