FIA and F1 Issue Major Announcement Following Hamilton 2021 Report
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021 remains one of the most controversial races in Formula 1 history. The final laps of the race saw a dramatic Safety Car deployment following Nicholas Latifi’s crash, which led to a highly debated decision by then-race director Michael Masi.
Masi allowed only certain lapped cars to unlap themselves, giving Max Verstappen a direct shot at Lewis Hamilton for the championship-deciding final lap. On fresher tires, Verstappen overtook Hamilton and secured his first World Championship, while Mercedes and Hamilton were left stunned.
The incident triggered widespread debate, with Mercedes lodging protests that were later dismissed by the FIA. The governing body then launched a full investigation into the race control decisions and their impact on the integrity of F1.
FIA’s Official Findings
After months of detailed analysis, the FIA has officially released its findings. The report acknowledges “human error” in the handling of the race but insists that Michael Masi’s decision was made in good faith.
Key points from the report include:
- The race director had too much pressure and responsibility during live race events.
- The communication process between teams and race control was flawed and needed restructuring.
- The Safety Car restart procedure required clearer guidelines to avoid future controversies.
Major Changes Announced by FIA
In response to the 2021 investigation, the FIA has introduced several key changes to improve race management and transparency:
1. Removal of Michael Masi as Race Director
The most significant change is the replacement of Michael Masi. Moving forward, the FIA will use a rotational race director system, supported by experienced officials.
2. Introduction of Virtual Race Control Room
A new Virtual Race Control Room—similar to VAR in football—has been established to assist race directors in making critical decisions with real-time data analysis.
3. Revised Safety Car Rules
The FIA has clarified that all lapped cars must be allowed to unlap themselves before a restart, ensuring consistency in safety car procedures.
4. Restricted Team Communication with Race Control
Teams will have limited direct communication with the race director to prevent undue influence during high-pressure race situations.
Reactions from Teams and Drivers
The FIA’s announcement has received mixed reactions from the F1 community.
- Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton have welcomed the changes but maintain that they were unfairly denied the 2021 title. Hamilton previously hinted at quitting F1 over the incident but has since focused on the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
- Red Bull and Max Verstappen argue that while improvements are necessary, the outcome of the 2021 title remains legitimate.
- Many former drivers and analysts believe these changes will help restore fairness and credibility to the sport.
What’s Next for F1?
With the 2023 season underway, the FIA’s new policies will be closely monitored to assess their effectiveness. The governing body hopes these reforms will prevent future championship-deciding controversies and reinforce F1’s reputation as a fair and competitive sport.
The fallout from Abu Dhabi 2021 may never completely fade, but these changes mark a crucial step toward a more transparent and just Formula 1.
