Formula 1 race directors, Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich, tested positive for COVID-19 after the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, raising questions about who will take charge of the new Miami Grand Prix, to be held from May 6 to 8. In case neither of them recovers by then, the FIA is already looking for a ‘plan B’, although it is not overlooked that this setback could mean the sporadic return of Michael Massy, dismissed from his post after the controversial final of the 2021 World Cup in Abu Dhabi, when Max Verstappen was proclaimed champion against Lewis Hamilton in a disputed application of the safety car regulations.
At the moment, the FIA has not wanted to confirm the news since medical information about its staff cannot be revealed “unless it is relevant to the development of an event.” But close to the entity they have confirmed the news advanced by Daily Telegraph and Sky Sports. To travel to the United States, it is necessary to give a negative test carried out no later than one day before departure.
Eduardo Freitas He had not planned to go to Miami since he alternates his work in F1 with the World Endurance Championship and next weekend he was going to direct the WEC race at Spa-Francorchamps, which coincides with the American event on the calendar.
Niels Wittich still has time to recover but the FIA must have an urgent solution because they continue to test positive 24 hours before embarking on the trip to Miami. Calling Masi, who is still working for the federation, would be the most practical but unlikely at this point. Another option is the Formula E race director, Scott Elkins, that would be available. Y Herbie Blashwho worked as deputy career director of charlie whiting until the 2014 season, he would be a third candidate. This year he has served as the main advisor in race control, together with Wittich and Freitas, in the three first races of the season, although he was not at Imola due to his commitments with Yamaha in the World Superbike Championship at Assen.