

FIA initially declared a change in deciding the World Driver's Championship, with the driver winning the most races to be declared as the champion. New rules governing tyres, aerodynamics and Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS), among others, are some of the biggest changes in the Formula One regulations for several decades. Several rule changes will be implemented by the FIA, in a bid to cut costs due to the global financial crisis and to improve the on-track spectacle. The French and Canadian Grands Prix, which were both included in the 2008 championship, have been dropped. It will end on 1 November 2009 with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which is included on the race calendar for the first time and will be held at the new Yas Marina Circuit. The season is scheduled to take place over 17 rounds, and started with the Australian Grand Prix on 29 March 2009.

Jenson Button became the Drivers' World Champion and Brawn GP won the Constructors' title. There were ten teams signed up to compete in the championship. The 2009 Formula One season was the 60th FIA Formula One World Championship season.
