A temporary return of a very controversial figure? The FIA and F1 may have a problem, there won’t be a race director available for the Miami race

The International Automobile Federation FIA will probably have to solve a problem of considerable proportions. Neither of the pair of race directors will be available for the Miami race weekend, and so its representatives will have to reach for an alternative.

For this season, F1 and the FIA have proceeded with a rather significant change. Even before the start of the new season, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem announced the recall of Michael Masi.

The reason, of course, was the huge controversy surrounding his decisions. However, the change also involved the fact that the race will be overseen by two race directors from the 2022 season onwards, who are to rotate throughout the year.

This position is therefore held this year by Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas, however, the opening events of the new season have seen the former taking on the directorship.

However, according to the latest information, Wittich has tested positive for coronavirus and thus cannot travel to Miami.

Freitas is also said to have the same problem, but there is another problem. At the same time there is a six-hour race at Spa as part of the WEC racing series, where Freitas is also the race director.

It should be noted that the original plan was for Freitas to replace Wittich on the occasion of the Spanish Grand Prix.

Wittich will therefore need a negative test result, not least because a negative test is a requirement for entry into the United States. So what solutions are currently on offer?

A very controversial issue would be the calling up of Masi. From the FIA and Formula 1’s point of view, this option is unlikely in any case.

According to Motorsport, the more likely option lies in calling in the current Formula E race director Scott Elkins, who already has experience with F1.

However, the best alternative on offer at the moment is Herbie Blash, who worked as Charlie Whiting’s deputy during his time. In addition, since this year he has been an advisor to both race directors.

However, we will have to wait for the FIA’s final decision. The race weekend in Miami starts on Friday, May 6.

Sources