FIA opens new step forward in Formula 1 refereeing
Ladies, gentlemen,
During the F1 Commission Meeting in London, I presented part of my plan for a new step forward in Formula 1 refereeing.
Drawing conclusions from the detailed analysis of the events of the last F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and from the 2021 season, I proposed an in-depth reform of the organisation of refereeing and race direction. It was unanimously supported by F1 CEO and teams principals.
Here is my plan for these structural changes:
Firstly, to assist the race director in the decision-making process, a Virtual Race Control Room will be created. Alike the Video Assistance Referee (VAR) in football, it will be positioned in one of the FIA Offices as a backup outside the circuit. In real-time connection with the FIA F1 race director, it will help to apply the sporting regulations using the most modern technological tools.
Secondly, direct radio communications during the race, currently broadcast live by all TVs, will be removed in order to protect the race director from any pressure and allow him to take decisions peacefully. It will still be possible to ask questions to the race director, according to a well-defined and non-intrusive process.
Thirdly, unlapping procedures behind safety car will be reassessed by the F1 Sporting Advisory Committee and presented to the next F1 Commission prior to the start of the season.
And finally, I would like to inform you that a new race management team will be put in place starting in Barcelona for the test session.
Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas will act alternatively as Race Director, assisted by Herbie Blash as permanent senior advisor.
Michael Masi, who accomplished a very challenging job for three years as Formula 1 race director following Charlie Whiting, will be offered a new position within the FIA.
I presented this complete plan to the members of the World Motor Sport Council and the Senate who gave their full support.
With this plan, FIA opens the way for a new step forward in Formula 1 refereeing. Without the referees, there is no sport. Respect and support of the referees is in the essence of the FIA. That is why these structural changes are crucial in a context of strong development and the legitimate expectations of drivers, teams, manufacturers, organisers, and of course, the fans.
I warmly thank all those who contributed to this reform.
These changes will enable us to start the 2022 Formula 1 season in the best conditions, and our sport will be even more loved and respected.
Thank you for your attention.
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Good decisions sir. Not expressing any team bias, but Masi’s abilities were in question at many points during the season. Put simply, he was not sufficiently competent for the role.
Unsurprising, although I never necessarily hoped for Masi's ousting.
No more broadcasted team-RD comms, nor can TPs contact RD anymore, unless I've slightly misinterpreted something.
Oh well, I'm indifferent about the former, but the latter is a good move.
I'm looking forward to finding out how the unlapping procedure will change.
The main problem is allowing pitting under safety car,with it, potential unfair racing, without it, less exciting but fairer racing.
There were many cases of bad race management last year, excessive penalties, non existent or very light penalties, inconsistent penalties. Masi was out of his depth and the drivers were left totally confused.
Although this is a step in the right direction there are still many who believe Verstappen won the championship without the assistance of Massi. As a minimum the FIA's final report should include an admission that the rules were improperly applied which in turn impacted the result of the driver's championship title.
Ultimately, Formula 1 arbitration has been professionalized!
The best change seems to be the introduction of the Virtual Race Control Room (VRCR). Now controversial matters such as touches and crashes can be judged more effectively. This will also bring a lot of peace on social media.
A new F1 starts with a new FIA president mr Mohammed ben Sulayem.👌💐
Tomorrow the presentation from Mercedes-Benz and …… nr.44 🏆🐞
An explanation:
It is from before the year 1800 that only one person rules. Such a system is too sensitive to arbitrariness, partiality, use of power, bribes, manipulation, influence and blind spots.
I am not claiming that Masi was guilty of this. Masi did make some wrong decisions. In Abu Dhabi 2021 this influenced the outcome of a championship. The chance that something like this happens with a multi-headed race management + VRCR + clear rules is much smaller. Decisions are now going to be made on the basis of consultation, facts, arguments, fixed rules and videos. Instead of one person's opinion. This alone will make the race management more professional.
The rotation of the race directors will also contribute to more objectivity and professionalism. As it has to be in top sport: when it comes to high tech, a high degree of professionalism and major financial interests.
The F1 GP is not a boy scout club!
DTM races 55 mins- 8 race weekends
WEC races 6hrs-- 24hrs- 6 race weekends
Herbie Blash age 73yr (SENIOR ADVISOR)-- 5yrs since stepping down as Deputy Race Director
Everybody happy now
Great, now we're going to make decisions by committee. I'm not defending Masi. He was in over his head, but we still have about the same number of cars running the same number of race laps as we have had since I was a young lad. So why do we now need a committee to apply the rules and make the same racing decisions? What's next, stop the race and review the action in slow motion back in the "virtual race control" hdqtrs. to reach a decision? Too much complication and cover your ass falderal. All that was needed is a competent race director. Funny, Whiting managed to get it done. .....and the beat goes on.
I must confess that I feel that M. Masi shouldn't have been sacked for the way he called it. Last race of one of the tightest FI seasons ever and his call made it the most exciting end. Well called M. Masi, hope you end p with a job of your liking and not have to put up with mercedes cry babies.
i thought F1 was bigger than hamilton, but with Masi out it seems that LH only driving this year if masi was out
The new team needs to come down hard on dangerous driving, it may be good tv but someone will die. f1 must be a demonstration of ultimate control. I can place my car to within a centimetre on a hill limb and I am as old as Herbie. These young drivers at the top of their profession have no excuse for contact with each other. Just look at the precision of their qualifying laps.
Only getting banned stopped Schumaker.
Nothing is ever achieved conclusively by a committee the only way forward is one race director and the same 2 unbias stewards at every race and their decision is final with no intervention from the teams. the same rules apply to every driver no matter how much he winges
This only proves that when someone steps on the toe of the 600 lb. gorilla, that person has to go. I don't know who is the bigger crybaby, Toto or the Hamster - whiny 'lil bitches the both of them.