The FIA interrupted the presentation of the Ferrari F1-75 by announcing drastic changes in the structure of its Formula 1 race management section, betting on Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich to the detriment of a Michael Masi who will occupy a new position.
The presentations of the Formula 1 teams are usually an exciting moment for them, in which those responsible for the design have put a lot of care and dedication to publicize their new creation. At least that’s what most of the grill thinks, unlike an FIA which announced multiple controversial decisions in full presentation of the Ferrari F1-75.
While Mattia Binotto, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc made an appearance with their brand new single-seater, Michael Masi was dismissed as race director, something that the FIA had previously communicated to the teams and of which everyone was aware.
Positive changes
Knowing what was going to be reported, Binotto faced a round of questions by Zoom after his presentation event in which Motor.es was present, where he analyzed everything proclaimed by the FIA.
“What Happened In Abu Dhabi Has Been Overly Discussed And Analyzed For Months And Weeks”, began the Italian leader. “The fact that it took so long I think shows the complexity of the matter. Honestly, I think we can only improve, and if we have learned any lessons, the changes were necessary and decided for them, we will support it.
Unlike Zak Brown, who recently admitted that he did not understand why it was taking so long to make a decision and put an end to last season once and for all, Binotto was on the side of the FIA.
«It seems to me that the important thing, and what I am really looking forward to, is the full independence of the FIA in decisions. The decisions and the way in which the FIA is being structured must be like this. To achieve that total independence, trust is needed, and at Ferrari we fully trust them », he closed.
Grateful and happy pilots
Neither Sainz nor Leclerc escaped giving their opinion on such a controversial issue after their boss did. Both one and the other emphasized their I respect by Masi, while also welcoming the new race management system.
“I would personally like to wish Michael all the best in his new role. I am convinced that he will be given many responsibilities because we, as drivers, at least I trust him, in everything he has done lately, he has done it for the benefit of Formula 1Sainz said.
“I would like to wish Michael all the best; I at least trust him, in everything he has done lately»
“I also welcome the new race directors, I am sure that they will have a very difficult task. We have seen in recent years in Formula 1 that it is a very difficult role, especially putting yourself in the place of Charlie, who we all definitely miss. We also accept that this role must be done correctly, it must be supported, as the FIA is planning, “he added.
«I like what I see in the ideas of the FIA. I hope that we can continue to improve as a sport and that the regulations can do the same to give more clarity to all F1 drivers, but also to the fans and the teams, “concluded #55.
Leclerc claimed to have “a lot of respect for Michael and for everything he has done”, approving a high caliber decision. “He has been in a particularly difficult position in recent years, especially in Abu Dhabi, obviously. With an ending like this, there was always going to be controversy, but the FIA has made a decision and they have much more information than me, so I am fully confident that it is the right decision, we will go ahead with this, “said the Monegasque.