F1’s governing physique launched an in depth examine over the winter into the dealing with of the late-race security automotive ultimately yr’s F1 season finale, after it helped affect the end result of the world championship.
The transfer got here after then F1 race director Michael Masi selected to selectively interpret the rules to get the race restarted for a closing lap shoot out.
That call allowed Max Verstappen, who had stopped for brisker tyres, to overhaul Hamilton and seize the win that secured him the title.
The controversy that the occasions brought about was initially blamed by the FIA on a misunderstanding of the foundations by followers and media, however since then the governing physique has made huge modifications to the best way that it’ll run F1 occasions.
Masi has been moved apart, with the F1 race director function now to be shared between Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas. They are going to be supported by a brand new digital race management setup that ought to assist give them added help when vehicles are on observe.
However though the modifications have been welcomed by many, there stay requires additional solutions about what precisely occurred in Abu Dhabi.
Key to the FIA attaining the transparency it recommended it could supply over the matter is in publishing the Abu Dhabi report, which ought to supply some necessary solutions in regards to the important choices that impacted the world championship.
Hamilton, who admitted to dropping religion within the FIA over what occurred in Abu Dhabi, is very desperate to learn it himself – and hopes that the report is made accessible to everybody.
“I’ve not seen it, I did not suppose it was out but,” he mentioned. “However I believe I am excited to see the outcomes from that report.
“I believe hopefully everybody will get to see it, and to have maybe a greater understanding of all the things.
“And I believe in the end, like all the things, it is all the way down to understanding the place we have been, so we will transfer forwards and in a constructive gentle.”
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
Photograph by: Mercedes AMG
Whereas there have been some options that the FIA plans to maintain the report secret, Autosport understands {that a} closing choice has not been taken but about what’s going to occur.
One risk is for the FIA to publish it after approval from the World Motor Sport Council at its subsequent assembly, which takes place on the eve of the F1 season opener in Bahrain.
Again in December, the FIA laid out its plans to answer the occasions of Abu Dhabi and mentioned it could work with the media and followers to raised clarify issues.
It mentioned: “This matter can be mentioned and addressed with all of the groups and drivers to attract any classes from this example and readability to be offered to the members, media, and followers in regards to the present rules to protect the aggressive nature of our sport whereas making certain the security of the drivers and officers.”