Formula 1 planning new race management structure after Abu Dhabi controversy

Formula 1 is planning a new race-management structure in an attempt to avoid a repeat of the problems at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Michael Masi, race director, failed to follow the rules correctly during a late safety-car period in the title-deciding race.

Max Verstappen passed Lewis Hamilton on the final lap to win the title.

The teams have been asked their views by the governing body.

There are no concrete conclusions yet from the inquiry that was launched after Abu Dhabi.

According to sources, the race director will be free to make decisions in a calmer environment if the plans are implemented.

There are serious questions about Masi's future in the role after he made a series of operational errors that were contrary to the rules and accepted protocols.

The Australian was exposed, isolated and under too much pressure in the final laps of the race.

The race director is getting a support structure.

There is a possibility of a barrier between that role and the teams in order to avoid the direct lobbying that Masi was subjected to in Abu Dhabi.

Changes to the operations of the stewards, who are independent of the race director, are being considered.

Will Masi keep his job?

Some teams have made a recommendation to the president of the FIA that Masi be removed and that a new race director be found.

Some senior insiders argue that Masi can't credibly remain in his role into another season because he made so many mistakes in Abu Dhabi, which undermined his credibility.

According to high-level sources, the most likely scenario is that a new race director will be in place by the end of the year.

There isn't unanimity on the matter. If a more effective support system was put in place around Masi, other teams would have no problem with him staying.

Red Bull did not call for Masi to leave. They said they were not aware of it. Mercedes, McLaren, Alpine, Alfa Romeo and Haas were not present. Williams doesn't think it's for teams to decide who is in the FIA.

A number of drivers complained over the course of last season about the inconsistency of decisions, particularly in the context of some of the battles between Hamilton and Verstappen.

The World Motor Sport Council meeting in Paris last December decided unanimously that all the necessary decisions would be taken by the new president of the International Federation of Motor Sport.

I will do so in complete independence, refusing any pressure from any quarter, in the sole interest of our sport.

Why is this a big deal?

The repercussions from Abu Dhabi are the biggest topic facing F1 and the FIA.

The credibility of the sport has been called into question because of the tarnishing of the image of F1.

Hamilton will not return to F1 this year until he knows the actions the governing body plans to take to address the concerns that arose during 2021.

The furore over Abu Dhabi was thought to be over by the FIA.

One influential senior figure told the radio station that anyone thinking this would go away has not realised the size of the event.

Where is the FIA's inquiry?

Ben has consulted with all the team bosses to find out what went wrong in Abu Dhabi and what changes could be made to prevent a repeat.

Peter Bayer, the executive director of single-seaters and the secretary general of the sport's governing body, took part in a meeting of the teams' sporting directors.

Masi chaired the meeting, but he was not present when the subject of the safety car in Abu Dhabi was discussed.

It was agreed at the meeting that in the future, the race director's actions have to be predictable - it was Masi's actions in Abu Dhabi that caused the uproar.

The F1 drivers are expected to meet with Bayer in the near future to discuss Abu Dhabi and other matters.

The F1 Commission, which involves the teams, the FIA and F1 will meet on February 14th to discuss the changes proposed by the FIA.

What is the fuss about

The bosses of the two title-contending teams came under pressure from Masi after he over-rode the rules with regard to the safety car.

It is said that Masi was trying to make sure the race did not end under caution. In the event of a late safety car, ending grands prix under racing conditions was a preferable outcome for the teams.

Masi failed to apply the rules correctly in two areas - over dealing with lapped cars and the timing of the restart.

When the race resumed, Verstappen overtook Hamilton on fresh tires to take the race and the title, while Hamilton sat on old tires.