© Sebastian Kawka for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix ltd.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff says it’s “very encouraging to see that action has been taken”, and thinks it’s time to “move on” from Abu Dhabi.
At Mercedes’ 2022 car launch Toto Wolff gave his comments on the changes FIA is making in response to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix controversy.
“I think it’s very encouraging to see that action has been taken,” the Austrian said.
“There is a much more robust structure now and support structure for the racing director.
“The FIA has stated that there will be a virtual race control room, state of the art technology, and now we shall be going, the new guys are going to be in place for the Barcelona test.
“I think the right steps.”
One of the actions FIA has taken is the removal of Michael Masi from his position as race director. The role will now be filled by current DTM race director Niels Wittich and current Wold Endurance Championship race director Eduardo Freitas, who will take turns in filling the role.
“Certainly the role of race director is not easy, and now we’re having two very experienced guys up there, that is good,” Wolff continued.
“But the support structure that has been built around them is essential, not only in the race director’s room, but also with a remote control room where the race directors can rely on feedback and inputs to make the decision-making process easier for them.
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“I believe that the last couple of years, we have seen a little bit of freestyle in the interpretation of the regulations.
“So yes, I’m happy with what has been implemented by the incoming president.”
The Austrian also said that Mercedes’ did not drop their appeal under the condition that Masi must leave.
“The restructuring within how decisions are being made in Formula 1, sporting decisions have been made, and also technical decisions, was necessary.
“Last year was a great season, but it created a lot of polarisation with decisions that were not always easy to understand.”
He also says it is now time to slowly move away from Abu Dhabi and look into the future.
“We have to move on from that. I think it’s in the past, and with the measures that were announced yesterday by Mohammed, I think we need to put it aside. We are not going to forget it, because that’s simply not possible.
“But we need to look into 2022 and, especially today launching the car, it should be the moment that we can really, with the steps that have been taken by the FIA, embark with encouragement into the season,” concluded Mercedes’ team boss.
