FIA announces two new race directors among 2022 changes

Published on 22 February 2022 by Stefan Meens

Ahead of the 2022 Formula 1 season, the FIA announced several structural changes. Via video conference, FIA-president Mohammed Ben Sulayem revealed that two new race directors will receive support from a Virtual Race Control room. In addition, communication between the race directors and the teams will no longer be broadcast live during the event coverage. These measures have all been taken following the consultation into the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Following the investigation, current race director Michael Masi will move in to a different role within the FIA with his duties taken over by Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich. The changes will take effect from the first pre-season test in Barcelona, starting on Wednesday 23 February.

In addition to the Virtual Race Control Room, Freitas and Wittch, who will alternate in the race director’s role, will receive support from senior advisor Herbie Blash, who brings his experience of being former F1 race director Charlie Whiting’s right-hand man.

Although communication between the teams and the race director will no longer be televised to avoid pressuring and influencing the decision making, teams are still allowed to raise issues and questions, albeit via a strict protocol.