The decision of F1 race director Michael Masi to allow only selected backmarkers to lap themselves behind the safety car and to restart the race one lap before the sports regulations triggered a huge backlash from fans and the media.
While the FIA stewards rejected a protest from Mercedes against the violation of the sporting regulations, because they insisted that Masi Carte Blanche can do whatever he wants with the safety car through other rules, the umbrella organization has now decided on a growing one Wave of criticism of the sport.
Following discussions at a meeting of the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council in Paris on Wednesday, it was announced that a detailed analysis will now be carried out to examine what has happened and what lessons can be learned for 2022.
In a statement, the FIA blamed a “misunderstanding” by fans and teams about the rules for the magnitude of the impact, but at least admitted that the situation was damaging to F1.
“The circumstances surrounding the use of the safety car after the incident involving driver Nicholas Latifi and the associated communication between the FIA Race Direction team and the Formula 1 teams have led to considerable misunderstandings and reactions from Formula 1 teams, drivers and in particular Fans led. “Says the statement.
“[It is] an argument that currently tarnishes the image of the championship and celebrates Max Verstappen’s first driver’s world championship title and the eighth consecutive constructors’s world championship title for Mercedes. “
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB16B, Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W12
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
Now that F1 Race Director Michael Masi has submitted his regular Grand Prix report to the FIA, which will be drawn up after each race, the governing body will now conduct a thorough analysis of what has happened and try to sort things out for the future.
It added, “This matter will be discussed and addressed with all teams and drivers to learn lessons from this situation and to provide participants, media and fans with clarity on the current regulations in order to maintain the competitive nature of our sport while” ensuring the safety of drivers and officers.
“Not only Formula 1 can benefit from this analysis, but all other FIA circuit championships in general.”
The FIA added that it will be engaging teams as well as F1 sporting directors to ensure things get better ahead of the 2022 campaign.
It added: “The FIA will therefore do everything in its power to set this in motion within Formula 1 governance and will propose to the Formula 1 Commission that the Sports Advisory Board, with the support of Formula 1, be given a clear mandate for studies and make suggestions. “Drivers so that all identified meaningful feedback and conclusions can be made before the start of the 2022 season.”
The FIA’s announcement of the safety car situation comes from the fact that Mercedes is still considering whether or not to continue its appeal on the matter.
She has until Thursday evening to decide whether to pursue her case, and the FIA will also hold its official awards gala in Paris that evening.
