The 2021 season has reached levels of tension that have very few precedents in the history of Formula 1. The extremely tight confrontation between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen has evolved into a global clash between Red Bull and Mercedes, and in this climate everything is extreme, every little detail is analyzed, each story becomes a reason for discussion, minor scenarios that in other seasons would have passed into observed become a case.
In this context, the work of those who sit in the control room is not simple, but it is also true that in these moments the work of those called to manage the regulations emerges.
The impression that emerged at the end of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is that the stress-test to which the FIA structure is subjected in recent weeks is showing shortcomings, and it is not the enthusiasts who say this, but also several professionals.
Regulations, decisions, management of emergency situations, often photograph a patched-up context, the son of rules created years ago and which are probably beginning to show the signs of time.
The figure of Michael Masi fits into this scenario, who found himself holding the role of race director in dramatic circumstances (the sudden death of Charlie Whiting on the eve of the 2019 Australian Grand Prix) and called to take up the baton of a historical figure and institutional as the historic F1 safety delegate and race director has been for years.
In the evening in Jeddah, unprecedented situations emerged for those who do not work between walls-boxes and race direction, such as the ‘negotiation’ between Masi and the managers of Mercedes and Red Bull (Ron Meadows and Jonathan Wheatley) to find an agreement on how to compose the grid starting after the first red flag suspension.
A much discussed interruption, which came after a safety car period following Mick Schumacher’s exit from the track at Turn 23 during the ninth lap. Officially, the red flag was necessary for a verification of the tecpro barriers, but for many insiders it was an excessive decision, given that after 20 minutes the race resumed, and in such a short period of time no interventions are possible. substantial.
Michael Masi, Race Director
Photo by: Jerry Andre / Motorsport Images
The first interruption of the race drastically changed the ranking, and triggered other much discussed episodes that took place right after the second start. A succession of requests for clarification that at a certain point led Masi to say via radio (in one of the many communications) that he could no longer keep up with the amount of requests for clarification.
The system went haywire, or so it seemed from the outside. Every request from the teams is legitimate, all refer to rules produced over the years, but the point is just that, the rules seem to have taken over.
“At one point we complained that Lewis did not respect the rule of the ten space positions to be kept in the formation lap – Christian Horner admitted after the race – but it seems that in a restart this rule does not apply. Today I had the feeling that we missed Charlie Whiting, I’m sorry to say, but his experience was important for the whole sport ”.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB16B, Esteban Ocon, Alpine A521, and Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W12, at the restart
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
Horner was not in the best mood at the end of the race, and it is understandable, but there are all reasons for complaining. Four virtual safety cars, confusion in the communications that informed Mercedes and Red Bull on the return of Verstappen’s position in Hamilton, controversy over the same maneuver for exchanging positions near the DRS checkpoint. A fuss that has dominated everything, overshadowing a very heated, hard, fascinating confrontation, which should put the two protagonists at the center of the scene.
Instead, as in the worst football tradition, in the post-match in Jeddah there was talk and talk of the referee. Masi’s role is not a simple one, and it is not so, especially in the current climate, but one cannot pretend not to see that there are shortcomings and that corrective measures are needed.
The FIA also pays for a gradual transfer of its role which has been taking place for years now. With the exception of safety (a sector in which the International Federation is always very active and present), the impression is that over time the role of those who should be above everything has been delegated to the Formula 1 Commission (composed mostly of team representatives) and commercial rights holders. The rules are discussed here, and the FIA puts a stamp in the World Councils.
Listening to all opinions is a must, but the decisions should then be made by those who are above the parties. What emerged tonight in Jeddah is a Formula 1 screwed on itself, full of constraints that taken individually also make sense, but overall they paint a context that has become too complex, not only for those who look at it, but also for those who work there. . In seven days we will be at the epilogue of a beautiful and passionate season, then a winter break will arrive that hopefully will also be a pause for reflection to tidy up and rethink roles and rules.
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