Following a lengthy investigation into what happened at the end of last year’s season – when F1 race director Michael Masi selectively applied the regulations to guarantee a one-lap restart – motorsport’s governing body has decided to take measures.
His response meant Masi’s removal from his post and the appointment of a new rotating race director position, as well as the creation of a virtual office to help control the grands prix.
Some of the changes had already been suggested to teams earlier this week at an F1 Commission meeting, and the plan had been endorsed by the Ferrari team, whose unveiling of its car for the 2022 season was seen in part. overshadowed by the timing of the FIA announcement.
Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz expects Masi to continue in a senior role at the FIA, although his future is yet to be confirmed.
“Personally I would like to wish Michael all the best in his new role,” said the Spaniard.
“I am sure he will be given a lot of responsibilities because we as drivers, I at least, trust him for everything he has done lately for the benefit of F1.
“I also welcome the new race directors and I am sure they will have a very difficult task. We have seen in recent years in F1, that it is a very difficult role to play, especially after what happened with Charlie (Whiting). who we all miss.”
“But we also accept that this role has to be done correctly. It has to be done and supported, as the FIA is planning.”
“I hope that we can continue to improve as a sport and that the regulations can continue to move forward to give more clarity to all F1 drivers, but also to the fans and the teams.”
Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto said the fact that the Abu Dhabi investigation has taken so long shows how difficult the situation is for the FIA.
“What happened in Abu Dhabi has been overly discussed and analyzed for months and weeks. I think the fact that it took so long also shows the complexity of the issue.”
“Honestly, I think we can only get better. And if there are any lessons learned, I think the changes were necessary and purposeful. We will support it.”
“I think the important thing, and that’s what I’m really looking for, is the full independence of the FIA in the decisions. I think that’s the way it has to be in the decisions and the way they are being structured.
“I think that to have full independence you need trust and as Ferrari we fully trust them.”
Charles Leclerc said the decision to fire Masi must have been made with good reason by the FIA.
“I have a lot of respect for Michael and everything he’s done,” he said. “He’s been in a particularly difficult position over the last couple of years, and especially in Abu Dhabi, obviously.”
“With an ending like that, it was always going to be controversial. But the FIA has made a decision and they have a lot more information than I do here. So I have full confidence that it is the right decision, and we will go ahead with this.”
