FIA removes Masi, announces new virtual F1 race control system
Michael Masi has lost his job as Formula 1 race director as part of a shake-up following last year's Abu Dhabi GP controversy, the FIA announced on Thursday.
He will be replaced by WEC race director Eduardo Freitas and former DTM man Niels Wittich, who was already announced as Masi's deputy for the season.
They will alternate as race director, backed up by Charlie Whiting's erstwhile deputy Herbie Blash.
Former Brabham team manager Blash returns in the role of permanent senior advisor after being absent since the end of the 2016 season.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem also announced that race control will have remote assistance from an off-site FIA facility, which is likely to be based in Geneva, and which he likened to the VAR system in football.
He also said that radio communications from teams to race control will no longer be broadcast and will be more strictly controlled, and that the unlapping procedure under safety cars will be reviewed.
Speaking in a video issued by the FIA he confirmed that his plan has been approved by F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and the team bosses in Monday's F1 Commission meeting in London.
Outlining the changes he said: "Firstly, to assist the race director in the decision-making process, a Virtual Race Control Room will be created.
"Like 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."
Mohammed ben Sulayem, President EMSO (UAE)
Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
Ben Sulayem said that the new race management team will be in place for the first time at the Barcelona test next week.
"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 F1 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 F1 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."
Related video
Ferrari reveals new F1-75 car for 2022 with red and black livery
Revealed: Ferrari’s radical 2022 F1 nose idea
Why Alpine's Monaco F1 result was "desperately needed"
Why Alpine's Monaco F1 result was "desperately needed" Why Alpine's Monaco F1 result was "desperately needed"
Gasly "disappointed and confused" by Alpine F1 Monaco GP pit call
Gasly "disappointed and confused" by Alpine F1 Monaco GP pit call Gasly "disappointed and confused" by Alpine F1 Monaco GP pit call
Why a Mercedes U-turn couldn't deny Sauber's F1 debut surprise
Why a Mercedes U-turn couldn't deny Sauber's F1 debut surprise Why a Mercedes U-turn couldn't deny Sauber's F1 debut surprise
Kanaan, Castroneves battled over 15th in Indy 500 like it was “for the win”
Kanaan, Castroneves battled over 15th in Indy 500 like it was “for the win” Kanaan, Castroneves battled over 15th in Indy 500 like it was “for the win”
McLaren hires Red Bull engineering chief Marshall as new F1 technical director
McLaren hires Red Bull engineering chief Marshall as new F1 technical director McLaren hires Red Bull engineering chief Marshall as new F1 technical director
Revealed: The key speed secrets of Newgarden's Indy 500 win
Revealed: The key speed secrets of Newgarden's Indy 500 win Revealed: The key speed secrets of Newgarden's Indy 500 win
Alpine to reveal its 2024 LMDh contender at Le Mans
Alpine to reveal its 2024 LMDh contender at Le Mans Alpine to reveal its 2024 LMDh contender at Le Mans
Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate
Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate
Monaco Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
Monaco Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023 Monaco Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
Why Alonso and Aston made the call that guaranteed Verstappen's Monaco victory
Why Alonso and Aston made the call that guaranteed Verstappen's Monaco victory Why Alonso and Aston made the call that guaranteed Verstappen's Monaco victory
The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP
The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP
What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset
What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset
Would Hamilton really be a worthwhile F1 investment for Ferrari?
Would Hamilton really be a worthwhile F1 investment for Ferrari? Would Hamilton really be a worthwhile F1 investment for Ferrari?
Why the growing pains of F1’s cost-cap era require patience
Why the growing pains of F1’s cost-cap era require patience Why the growing pains of F1’s cost-cap era require patience
Has F1 gone too far with its sprint race format tweaks?
Has F1 gone too far with its sprint race format tweaks? Has F1 gone too far with its sprint race format tweaks?
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.