FIA holds fireplace on Abu Dhabi inquiry outcomes however guarantees ‘structural adjustments’ and ‘motion plan’ in coming days; Sky Sports activities understands present race director Michael Masi may tackle a brand new security function
By Matt Morlidge
Final Up to date: 15/02/22 9:24am
Craig Slater studies that the FIA are proposing ‘structural adjustments’ following their enquiry into the controversial ending to final season’s Abu Dhabi GP.
Formulation 1 adjustments on account of the controversial Abu Dhabi 2021 title decider are nonetheless on maintain, though FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has promised “structural” strikes within the coming days – with Michael Masi’s future as race director in extreme doubt.
Formulation 1, its governing physique and the workforce bosses met in London on Monday for an F1 Fee assembly, the place findings from the inquiry into Abu Dhabi have been because of be revealed and subsequent adjustments proposed.
However outcomes of the evaluation into the Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen finale are actually not anticipated to be revealed till later this week.
“The FIA President led detailed discussions of the 2021 FIA Formulation 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix,” an FIA assertion learn on Monday afternoon.
“Suggestions from the Fee on issues raised will likely be integrated into the President’s evaluation and he’ll publicly current information of structural adjustments and motion plan within the coming days.”
Jenson Button discusses the fallout from the controversial ending to final season’s Abu Dhabi, the way forward for Michael Masi and what to anticipate from the brand new season.
Each Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and Purple Bull’s Christian Horner have been on the four-hour summit, which was chaired by Ben Sulayem, who solely took over as FIA president in December.
Sky Sports activities Information’ Craig Slater described the assembly as “inconclusive” however added on the assertion: “‘Structural adjustments’ would recommend a change in personnel, probably as regards to the race director”.
The race director is at present Masi, whose dealing with of the ultimate Abu Dhabi laps and the Security Automobile opened the door for Verstappen to cross Hamilton for a race and title win.
Sky Sports activities understands Masi is prone to be moved on, probably for a brand new security function throughout the FIA.
Christian Horner, Toto Wolff and the FIA arrive in London for the F1 Fee assembly surrounding the 2021 title controversy.
“If that have been to be confirmed within the coming days, that may be the fabric change that maybe Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton have been on the lookout for,” added Slater, referencing the “disillusioned” workforce and driver who have been the unfortunate events within the dramatic season-ender.
WEC race director Eduardo Freitas and former DTM race director Niels Wittich are potential contenders for F1’s race director, who is predicted to have extra assist this season.
Abu Dhabi inquiry defined | Drivers again Masi
Within the remaining phases of Abu Dhabi GP on December 12, Masi ordered solely the lapped vehicles between Hamilton and second-placed Verstappen by, offering the Dutchman, on contemporary tyres, a shot at passing Hamilton – who was on previous rubber.
Whereas Masi’s actions have been justified by the FIA stewards following a Mercedes workforce attraction, F1’s governing physique lodged a full evaluation into the method, with the investigative stage starting final month.
Max Verstappen passes Lewis Hamilton on the ultimate lap in Abu Dhabi to win the 2021 F1 Championship!
The FIA has spoken to key representatives, together with all of the drivers, and have been because of current findings to groups on Monday.
Whereas Masi appears prone to take up a lesser function on account of the investigation, he has discovered the assist of various drivers in current days.
“It is [shameful] that it is all centered on one man,” stated Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel in regards to the Abu Dhabi saga.
“He most likely had a really, very tough place on that day and we most likely ought to deal with making the foundations higher and extra clear, so it is higher for everybody.
“I do not know what’s in retailer for his future however I hope he sticks round as a result of general he has achieved an excellent job.”
McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo added: “In the end if Michael needs to remain, then he ought to keep. I do not assume one occasion needs to be the image of every little thing.”