Michael Masi has been removed as F1 race director as part of a restructure at governing physique the FIA in the wake of final yr’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem introduced a collection of modifications as a outcome of the inquiry into the controversial finish to final yr’s World Championship.
Masi didn’t appropriately apply the foundations in a late security automobile interval and had a direct impression on the result of the title race.
Two males will now alternate in the function, whereas additional assist can be offered to officers.
The new race administrators can be Eduardo Freitas, who previously carried out the function in the World Endurance Championship, and Niels Wittich, who did so in the DTM German Touring Car Championship.
Masi can be “provided a brand new place inside the FIA”, Ben Sulayem stated.
In addition, as part of a wider restructure of race management aimed toward offering a calmer surroundings, direct radio communications between the groups and the race director will now not be allowed.
In Abu Dhabi, Masi got here below strain from each the Mercedes and Red Bull groups to make choices in their favour. The big controversy after the race arose from the truth that he appeared to observe Red Bull’s solutions, to the benefit of their driver Max Verstappen over Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.
After Masi didn’t appropriately apply the foundations in two methods – over the administration of lapped automobiles and the timing of the restart – Verstappen used his recent tyres to overhaul Hamilton on outdated ones and win his first world title.
Prior to that, Hamilton had dominated the race and was on the right track to win a file eighth championship.
An FIA spokesman stated the report into the failings at Abu Dhabi can be revealed on the season-opening race in Bahrain on 19 March.
Teams will nonetheless be allowed to place inquiries to race management, Ben Sulayem stated, “in accordance with properly outlined procedures”.
These are anticipated to be addressed to a brand new layer of workers in race management, to maintain the direct strain off the race director.
Freitas and Wittich can be assisted by F1 veteran Herbie Blash, who was the deputy race director below former FIA F1 director Charlie Whiting.
Masi assumed the function of race director when Whiting died on the eve of the 2019 F1 season.
The FIA will add a distant race management that can function in the same option to the video assistant referee in soccer.
Ben Sulayem stated he had introduced this plan to the groups at a gathering of the F1 Commission on Monday, though that is contradicted by insiders who stated that solely a obscure define was given there.
He added that it had been given the “full assist” of the FIA World Council and Senate.
“With this plan, FIA opens the best way for a brand new step ahead in Formula 1 refereeing. Without the referees, there isn’t a sport,” he stated.
“Respect and assist of the referees is in the essence of the FIA. That is why these structural modifications are essential in a context of robust growth and the authentic expectations of drivers, groups, producers, organisers, and of course, the followers.
“These modifications will allow us to start out the 2022 Formula 1 season in the very best circumstances, and our sport can be much more liked and revered.”
