The FIA took advantage of the winter break to start a detailed study on the management of the safety car in the last race of the 2021 Formula 1 season, after race management decisions that only allowed some cars to recover their lost lap.
The move came after then-race director Michael Masi used the regulations in a way that caused the race to end in a heads-up on the final lap.
Max Verstappen, who had pitted to change his tires for newer ones, was able to overtake Lewis Hamilton and take a victory that secured him the drivers’ title.
The FIA initially blamed the controversy on a misunderstanding of the rules by fans and the media, but has since introduced changes to the way F1 events are run.
Masi has been removed from his role as race director, a role that Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas will now share. Both will be supported by virtual race control , a novelty for this season and which should give them extra assistance when the cars are on track.
Although these changes have been welcomed by a large majority, some requests for an explanation of what happened in Abu Dhabi continue to arrive. These voices are calling for the FIA report to be published, suggesting it would be the key for the body to achieve the transparency it claims to seek.
Hamilton himself, who has admitted to having lost faith in the FIA, wants to read it and hopes the report will also be made available to anyone who also wishes to do the same.
“I have not seen it, I did not know that it had already left,” said the English pilot. “But I think I’m looking forward to seeing the results of that report.”
“I hope everyone can read it and maybe understand everything better. In the end, like everything, I think it’s about understanding where we’ve been so we can move forward in a positive way.”
The FIA’s intention is not yet clear. It has been suggested that the body is considering keeping the report secret, but Motorsport.com understands that a final decision on this has not yet been made.
One of the possibilities is that the FIA will publish it after receiving the approval of the World Motor Sport Council at its next meeting, which will take place on the eve of the start of the 2022 Formula 1 season in Bahrain.
In December, the FIA made public its plans to respond to the events in Abu Dhabi, saying it would work with the media and fans to provide better explanations.
“This matter will be addressed and discussed with all teams and drivers so that all possible lessons can be drawn from this situation and that clarity can be provided to participants, media and fans on the current regulations to preserve the competitive nature of our category. , while ensuring the safety of our pilots and officials.”
