Two Formula 1 team bosses are hinting that changes to race director Michael Masi’s role are likely ahead of the 2022 championship, which starts on March 20 with the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The Formula 1 governing body, which is newly headed by FIA president Mohammed bin Sulayem, is currently undergoing an investigation into the controversial events that took place at the Yas Marina circuit last year, with Max Verstappen securing the title thanks to a last lap pass over Lewis Hamilton after an incredible sequence of events.
“I’m not here to protect Michael Masi,” Haas team boss Gunther Steiner says, “but we have to be aware that it’s a very difficult job. I know the FIA is working flat out to make the work of the race director easier for whoever holds that position. Formula 1 has grown enormously as a sport but certain structures have remained static. I am convinced that good ideas will be presented to us on how this can be done differently,” he added.
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At the same time, Gunther Steiner says he has “enough to do” at Haas without predicting what the FIA’s next steps will be. I don’t want to avoid the question – I just don’t know yet how the FIA intends to strengthen its structure. So I don’t get involved in that,” he insisted.
Despite the fact that Red Bull capitalized on Michael Masi’s decisions in the last few laps of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, team boss Christian Horner does agree with the FIA’s reform efforts: “The FIA wants to ensure the race director has better support, because the tools and technologies that the teams have at their disposal are much more advanced than what Michael Masi and his team have. I think the FIA has paid a lot of attention to this topic over the winter and I think everyone will see that the person who is entrusted with this role in 2022 will be provided with more effective support.” – Christian Horner concluded.
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