Both FIA Race Directors test positive for Covid as fear looms over the inaugural Miami GP


Both FIA Race Directors test positive for Covid as fear looms over the inaugural Miami GP

FIA F1 race directors- Eduardo Freitas(left) and Niels Wittich (right)

Next weekend, the Miami GP is set to become the second race in the United States, following the massive success of the United States GP, held at the Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas. With F1’s popularity growing massively in the US, the Las Vegas GP will join the other two in 2023.

ADVERTISEMENT

Miami GP will be the fifth round of the 2022 season. However, a challenge for the FIA has struck up as both the race directors- Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich have tested Covid positive. Eduardo and Niels are alternating the races amongst themselves this season, but the first four have been controlled by Wittich alone. The race directors would need a negative test to visit the United States for officiating the race, which should be no older than a day.

As per the Telegraph, “FIA declined to comment, saying it did not give out medical information regarding its personnel unless it is relevant to the running of an event.” This shows that the FIA is optimistic about either of the two turning in a negative report before the weekend, and taking the charge.

Whom can FIA choose to officiate the Miami GP?

Former FIA race director Michael Masi
Former FIA race director Michael Masi

While it’s highly probable that one of the race directors will test negative before they’re expected to turn up in the United States, there’s also the probability that neither of the two would be ready. In that case, FIA will have to look out for a replacement.

ADVERTISEMENT

The first name that comes to the mind of most of the audience when the term “race director” is heard is Michael Masi. The Australian is one of the most experienced F1 race directors but has sadly lost his reputation after the season of 2021. Masi has been off the tracks since his dismissal and is highly unlikely to return for a single race.

The other probable names include those who were speculated to replace Michael Masi full time. They are Herbie Blash, Scot Elkins- Deputy F1 race director with Formula E, and Colin Haywood- ex-manager of Tyrrell, Benetton, Renault.

ALSO READ: FIA F1 commission gathers to discuss further changes following an immensely successful start