F1 denies "trust" problem ahead of Bahrain season-opener

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali believes the trust from fans "is already there" despite the upset that remains surrounding last year's controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The new era of F1 will officially begin with this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix but the sport continues to be haunted by the events of the 2021 championship-deciding race.

Even after Michael Masi was removed from his position as the F1 race director, claims the race was fixed continue to appear on social media daily.

Asked by Sky Sports how F1 can "rebuild trust" with fans, Domenicali said: "I think that to be honest, the trust is already there.

"We had last week a meeting with all the promoters, all the broadcasters and all the partners. Almost all the places we are going to are sold out and that means that Formula 1 does not have that problem, it means the trust is there.

"Sport is part of the challenge and you may have situations that are positive, negative or create controversy.

"Not for a single second in my mind did I think that something was built on purpose. As a sportsman, if I thought that was the case, I would not be there and I can guarantee from Formula 1's perspective, this is not the case."

Masi has been replaced by a revolving team of Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas with Herbie Blash serving as a permanent senior advisor to assist the pair.

On the decision to remove Masi from his position, Domenicali added: "You may say that you are performing well as a driver, as a team, as a referee, but this is not relevant to the credibility of the sport.

"The sport will take all the lessons in order to improve that. The credibility passes through this kind of action and this is what we are expecting the FIA to take on board in the preparation of next year."

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