The FIA has been endeavor a full investigation into the choices taken by race director Michael Masi and race management within the closing phases of December’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which led to a last-lap move by Max Verstappen on Lewis Hamilton to clinch the title.
Masi did not implement a minimum of two articles of the sporting rules with the restart, resulting in questions on his future and a possible restructuring of the FIA’s F1 group shifting ahead.
Newly-elected FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has met with groups to debate what occurred in Abu Dhabi and potential resolutions as a part of the investigation, and discussions are set to proceed within the coming weeks earlier than any adjustments are finalised on the eve of the brand new season.
Talking on Friday, Haas group boss Steiner was reluctant to get into particulars about talks with the FIA over Masi’s future and a potential restructuring of the FIA’s F1 operations, however expressed confidence in its investigation.
“I didn’t give loads of suggestions to President Mohammed,” Steiner mentioned.
“We talked about it, and I believe there are personal talks, and I don’t wish to go there.
“I do know they’re diligently engaged on it, to make it – I wouldn’t say higher, which is the incorrect phrase – to make it primarily higher for whoever is race director.
“It’s a really troublesome job, and I’m not right here to guard Michael or something. It is extremely troublesome. I believe the game has grown a lot, and among the issues have stayed behind.
“I’m positive they’ll give you some concepts after we are offered them, after which we’ll see what they’re doing. I didn’t give them any advice what to do, a selected one.
“We talked concerning the points a bit bit, and everyone knows them. I believe the FIA is working diligently that we transfer in to higher future.”
Guenther Steiner, Workforce Principal, Haas F1
Picture by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Pictures
FIA secretary common for sport Peter Bayer is taking part in a key position within the investigation, and admitted in an interview on the finish of final month that Masi may very well be changed.
The Australian has served as F1’s race director for the reason that sudden passing of Charlie Whiting days earlier than the beginning of the 2019 season.
Requested if he thought Masi was the best man for the job shifting ahead, Steiner replied: “Once more, I’ve bought sufficient on my plate with my firm to be trustworthy.
“I would not like to enter the FIA to inform them what they need to be doing, as a result of I do know that they’re doing issues, however I do know not the small print, contracts and stuff like this.
“I am not making an attempt to keep away from the query. I actually do not know their construction in there utterly. And everyone knows Michael Masi because the race director, however I do not know what’s underlying and how one can make it higher.
“As I mentioned I am fairly busy with with what I am doing for Haas F1. So I am not getting concerned. I’ve bought the total confidence within the FIA, that they’ll repair it as a result of everyone speaks about it.
“You guys ask questions, however these can be questions extra for the FIA than for me.”