During the last season of Formula 1, the radio conversations of the team managers and the race director (Michael Masi at the time) used to be broadcast through television, especially when there was something controversial in them.
On many occasions, the team bosses tried to “pressure” Masi. The best example of this was the Abu Dhabi GP, when in the last laps of the race, before the safety car restarted, Christian Horner and Toto Wolff contacted the race director several times to defend their interests.
Due to all the controversy that was formed with these communications, the FIA confirmed that from 2022 it would limit the communication that reaches the audience between both parties, making it very clear that these messages would no longer be broadcast live.
The head of Red Bull Racing, Christian Horner , spoke about it and said that he considers that the decision made by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) was not entirely correct.
“I am probably responsible for these radio messages being relayed up to this point,” he told Motor Sport Magazine .
“I always thought it would be interesting for the public at home to hear what goes on between the pit wall and the race director, but I also didn’t think it would be used so often on the broadcast.
“Last year there was a very serious fight for the championship with Mercedes, so that idea of giving voice to the conversations gained prominence. Of course, if I hear how the boss of another team is putting pressure on the stewards, then I have to protect my team and react.
“Ultimately it’s good that the FIA now determines when and who exactly can talk to race directors over the radio – let’s see what happens. But I think it should still be material accessible to the audience – fans have a right to hear the dialogues and absolutely everything that happens behind the scenes. That’s part of Formula 1,” he concluded.
