“I hope that we can continue to improve as a sport,” Carlos Sainz believes race direction needs to be done in the right way

“I hope that we can continue to improve as a sport,” Carlos Sainz believes race direction needs to be done in the right way

Ferrari racer Carlos Sainz bid a warm goodbye to the departing Micheal Masi. With FIA taking steps to make sure the controversies of the 2021 season don’t repeat, Sainz says there needs to be consistent and fair race direction and supports the steps taken by FIA to achieve it.

Lewis Hamilton lost the final race in Abu Dhabi to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen after racing Wheel-to-Wheel in a nail-biting 2021 season. The controversial ruling by the then Race Director Micheal Masi allowed the cars between Hamilton and Verstappen to unlap themselves giving the Dutchman a chance to make the overtake on the Briton with his fresher soft tyres.

Micheal Masi has since been relieved of his duties as Race Director with a replacement already in line. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has confirmed a new position will be offered to Masi within the FIA.

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Carlos Sainz backs FIA reforms

Carlos Sainz
Carlos Sainz

The FIA has conducted a series of structural changes following the conclusion of the 2021 season. Carlos Sainz who finished on the podium with a 3rd place finish awarded Ferrari 3rd place in the Constructors championship. Sainz has since opened up on the incidents that happened in Yas Marina and the decisions taken by the FIA.

“I would like to wish Michael (Masi) the best in his new role. I am sure he will have a lot of responsibilities because we, as drivers, trust what he has done recently and what he has done for the benefit of Formula 1. I have a lot of respect for Michael and for everything he has done. He’s been in a particularly difficult role over the last few years, and especially in Abu Dhabi, of course,” said the Spaniard

Sainz added “But we also accept that this function (direction of evidence) needs to be done in the right way. It needs to be done and supported, as the FIA ​​is planning. I like the ideas I see from them (FIA). I hope that we can continue to improve as a sport and that the rules also manage to give greater clarity to all drivers, fans and teams”, explained Sainz, who took the opportunity to welcome the new race directors.

Following Masi’s sacking, Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas will alternate between races as the Race Director role. Herbie Blash has been given the designation of ‘permanent senior advisor’ and shall be overseeing the decisions of the Race Director.

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