F1 must learn from FIA "confusion" - Wolff

Toto Wolff has offered his support to FIA race director Michael Masi in the wake of criticism for his handling of a tempestuous Saudi Arabian Grand Prix but insisted F1 must learn from the ensuing "confusion".

In a race that never settled from the get-go, there were numerous incidents between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, from corner-cutting and gaining an advantage to driving unnecessarily slowly under safety car conditions and then a bizarre collision between the two F1 title rivals.

There was also confusion during a red flag period as Masi and Red Bull seemingly dealt over the positioning of Verstappen for the first restart, having gained a place off-track.

Christian Horner suggested post-race that "it felt like today the sport missed [former race director] Charlie Whiting," but Wolff instead backed the Australian.

“I think we had confusion," said Wolff.

"I would have wished that the red flag wouldn’t have been taken at the beginning of the race.

"It is where I thought that we had lost the race and that clearly was also a judgemental call when some of the advertising on a barrier is ripped off that you stop the race. But it is what it is.

“There was so much on, so many things to judge and I wouldn’t want to be in either Michael’s seat nor the stewards’ seats today because you are always looking stupid if you make a mistake and if there are 100 decisions to make, there may be some that are wrong or controversial.

“I think we just need to learn from that.”

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

FIA announces circuit configuration for Italian Grand Prix at Monza and it could help Ferrari

• 2 hours ago

Toto Wolff opens up on the horrific crash that ended his professional racing career

• 2 hours ago

Aston Martin F1 insider admits uncertainty over Fernando Alonso future

• 3 hours ago

New F1 track ramps up security as theft hits circuit just days before first race

• Yesterday 19:50

Nike 'in talks' with F1 over entering sport

• Yesterday 18:45

Ferrari's Monza tricks revealed to power Lewis Hamilton to Italian Grand Prix win

• Yesterday 17:33