In just under two weeks, the world motorsport association intends to publish the results of its investigations into the much-discussed Formula 1 finale in Abu Dhabi. It is already clear that there will be consequences. However, it is not yet entirely clear what these will look like.
The FIA investigation into the momentous use of the safety car at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2021 is ongoing. Only on February 14th will the world association present the results to the Formula 1 teams in a small group. Shortly thereafter, the public should finally be informed.
What consequences the FIA will draw from the events at the last race of the season can only be speculated so far. However, the British “Guardian” reported on Thursday that a dismissal of race director Michael Masi is rather unlikely. It is therefore much more realistic that the Italian will remain in office, but will receive personal support in the future.
The tap is turned off for Wolff, Horner and Co
According to the report, there should be agreement between the teams and the association on the safety car rules. All parties are calling for clearer guidelines to prevent chaos like in Abu Dhabi.
There is also consensus on the interference of the team bosses in the race control via radio. This is to be abolished for the 2022 season after the duel on the pit wall between Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and Red Bull boss Christian Horner last year received almost as much attention as the fight on the track and the sport was pushed into the background as a result .
Did Masi break Formula 1 rules?
It is still unclear whether the race management around Michael Masi in Abu Dhabi decided against the rules and thus significantly influenced the World Championship in favor of Max Verstappen. Sources within the FIA, the Guardian reports, assure that the incidents are being investigated impartially and yet extremely thoroughly.
If the world association comes to the conclusion that Masi acted against the rules, the Italian may have to worry about his job. Clarity will prevail on February 14th at the earliest, when the team leaders meet in a larger group for the first time since the race in the desert country.