Sebastian Vettel hopes the new FIA Formula 1 race directors Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas will be “as dedicated” as Michael Masi when they take up their new posts.
Australian Masi was replaced as race director last month for his part in the controversial season finale in Abu Dhabi, with the motorsport federation making a first series of changes to the structure last month. Grand Prix Drivers’ Association director Vettel had spoken out against Masi’s resignation and urged the FIA to get a broader picture of his time in the race director role and asked for further changes to be reviewed.
‘Was open to us’
The Aston Martin driver said: “Michael worked very hard and was always open to us. It has clearly been decided that he will no longer be in that role. Hopefully we will see it move forward, but I hope those who coming will work just as hard and diligently as Michael.” The four-time world champion is confident in the new duo, but hopes the dedication will sit on the same level as Masi’s.
Best solution
During the testing days in Barcelona, it appeared that the drivers were generally disappointed that Masi had to make way for replacements. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc said: “I have a lot of respect for Michael and for what he has done. I’m sure he always did his best and thought he thought he was making the best decision. It’s always difficult.” The time pressure of a race director in particular is underestimated, according to the Monegask. “As we saw in the last race, it’s not easy. You have to make a decision quickly,” explains Leclerc.
The Ferrari driver also looks ahead: “But that said, he will still be there in a different position and I wish him the best.” He therefore places the responsibility on the FIA. “Going forward, I’m pretty sure the FIA has more information than we do about all of this and they have opted for the best solution for Formula 1 in their view, which I hope will indeed be the case.”
