FIA President Mohammed bin Sulaym has announced changes to the F1 Grand Prix event and confirmed that Michael Masi has been dismissed as race director.
This change is the result of a widespread review of the controversial event in which Max Verstappen defeated Lewis Hamilton to win the World Championship title late in the 2021 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Michael Masi’s decision prior to resuming the final lap of the race was criticized for the next two months, and Mercedes immediately protested how to handle the situation.
Mercedes F1 then decided not to appeal the decision following being convinced that the race event would be analyzed in full detail. Lewis Hamilton hinted that his decision on whether to race in F1 in 2022 would depend on the outcome of this process.
It has been confirmed that Michael Masi will resign as race director, but another position will be offered within the FIA. He first played that role in early 2019 following his predecessor Charlie Whiting died suddenly a few days before the F1 Australian Grand Prix.
Michael Masi will be replaced by WEC race director Eduardo Freitas and former DTM race director Niels Witzig. In addition, Herbie Blash, a former Deputy Race Director during the Charlie Whiting era, has been appointed as a new permanent senior adviser to assist them.
“We would like to inform you that a new race management team will be deployed in Barcelona for the test session,” said Mohammed bin Sulayem.
“Niels Witzich and Eduardo Freitas will replace Herbie Blash as Race Directors with the support of Herbie Blash’s Permanent Senior Advisor.”
“Michael Masi, who has done a very challenging job for three years as an F1 race director following Charlie Whiting, will be offered a new position within the FIA.”
“I presented this complete plan to the members of the World Motor Sport Council and the Senate who gave their full support.”
It is recognized that the role of F1 race director was a big job, if not impossible for everyone. Therefore, a new virtual support will be set up to provide help and advice to the track team using video playback along the football VAR.
“A virtual race control room will be created to assist the race director’s decision-making. It will be placed in one of the FIA offices as an off-circuit backup, similar to the Soccer Video Assistance Referee (VAR).” Mohammed bin Sulaym continued.
“Connect with F1 race directors in real time and help them apply competition regulations using the latest technical tools.”
F1 teams cannot directly influence race control in decisions during the event. Direct communication with the race director will no longer be broadcast on live TV feeds and only unobtrusive questions will be allowed.
“Dylemt’s radio communication during the race, which is currently being broadcast live on all television, will be removed to protect the race director from all pressures and allow him to make peaceful decisions,” Mohammed Bin. Slyim explained.
“It’s still possible to ask the race director a clear and unobtrusive process.”
In addition, the steps to allow vehicles that are lapped before the restart to pass through the safety car will be reviewed by the F1 Sports Advisory Board and presented to the next F1 Committee before the start of the season.
“This plan paves the way for the FIA to take a new step for F1 referees,” summed Mohammed bin Sulayem.
“With these changes, we will be able to start the 2022 F1 season in the best possible conditions and our sport will be even more loved and respected.”
“Without the referee, there is no sport. Respect and support for the referee is the essence of the FIA, so these structural changes are strong development and legitimacy for drivers, teams, manufacturers, organizers and, of course, fans. Important in the context of expectations. “
“I am deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed to this reform.”
