FIA "working diligently" to "fix" Masi issue

Race director's position remains unclear

Ian Parkes

Friday 4 February 2022 16:30

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has expressed "full confidence in the FIA" to 'fix' the problem surrounding FIA race director Michael Masi.

World motorsport's governing body is currently conducting a thorough enquiry into the events of last year's F1 season finale in Abu Dhabi where Masi made vital decisions that influenced the outcome of the drivers' championship.

The enquiry is due to release its findings to the F1 Commission - which comprises the FIA, F1 and the 10 teams - for review ahead of any changes being implemented at a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in Bahrain on March 18.

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As part of the enquiry, all team principals have spoken to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to offer their thoughts on what took place in Abu Dhabi, and Masi's handling of events, not just at that race but over the course of the season.

At present, the Australian's position remains in limbo, although the suggestion is he is set to retain his role albeit offered additional support to take some of the workload from his shoulders.

Sharing his thoughts following his meeting with Ben Sulayem, Steiner said: "I didn't give a lot of recommendations to president Mohammed.

"We talked about it, they were private talks and I don't want to go there.

"But I know they are diligently working on it to make it...I wouldn't say better, which is the wrong word...to make it mainly better for whoever is the race director.

"It's a very difficult job but I'm not here to protect Michael or anything. It is very difficult."

FIA 'will come up with ideas' - Steiner

Referring to the time when Charlie Whiting handled the dual role of race director and safety delegate before his death, leading to Masi's appointment, Steiner added: "The sport has grown so much.

"Some of the things [from the past] have stayed behind. I'm sure they [the FIA] will come up with some ideas.

"When they are presented then we will see what they will do but I didn't give them any specific recommendation on what to do.

"We talked about the issues a little, and we all know them, so I think the FIA is working diligently to move towards a better future."

Asked for his own thoughts on the matter and whether he felt Masi would be better served by someone to assist, as was with the case with Herbie Blash to Whiting, Steiner said: "I've got enough on my plate with my company, to be honest.

"I wouldn't like to go to the FIA to tell them what they should be doing. I know they are doing things but I don't know the details, contracts and stuff like this. I don't know their complete structure.

"We all know Michael Masi is race director but I don't know what is the underlying [structure] and how to make it better.

"As I said, I'm pretty busy with what I'm doing with Haas F1, so I'm not getting involved in that.

"But I've full confidence in the FIA that they will fix it."