I find the defense of Masi within the industry ignorant of the problem. OK, so he is overworked (many of us are or have been in our time) lacks structural support etc. But this is just a judgement call, he was at the time 100% dedicated to the job. If he needed someone around him, to explain the rules, then that is not a good statement. Also, in his position he should naturally analyse his workload and cut down on the unnecessary, like team radio.
As a question Does hamilton being done up like a kipper actually cement his status? Schumacher had his broken leg and 5 year ferrari quest. Senna had his prost stuff that is an integral part of the mystique Now hamilton has more than the prodigy mclaren tag and he drove the best car tag. Arise sir lewis, legend. And we all love the guy who's taken one on the chin as well
I agree that team principals, or other representatives shouldn't be arguing the case with the race director, particularly in a safety car period where the priority must be clearing the track and maintaining safety. The race director should be left to do his job and inform the teams of what's going on. What I do have a problem with is the race director being able to pick and choose which protocols are followed and which aren't, and which incidents are referred to the stewards in a manner that puts the spectacle above the rule book. Maybe incidents that occur on track should all be judged by the stewards automatically, and they then make a determination of it should be looked at and may be penalty worthy, freeing up the race director to focus on everything else. No direct line to the stewards, they just operate independently.
What I would have liked to see was Hamilton to get his 8th title so Schumacher was history now and then arrange a swap with Lando Norris at McClaren so we had Lewis back home so he could use his experience to help McClaren step up again like Schumacher at Ferrari and the best two young British drivers would be working as a team against Red Bull
Yes spot on, and just announced Sir Lewis Hamilton, beat that you Dutch cheating prick. I was going to finish with supporting F1 but like you have just highlighted there are new avenues to explore and support.and history changed. How things have changed since my first F1 adventure at Brands hatch 1971 F1 event at which sadly the Swiss driver Jo Siffert was killed.
I wonder what senna and prost fans would have said in this day and age of media. I expect it'd be highly charged hatred but would it be seen as the reputation of f1 being destroyed?
In reality, probably yes... especially back then with Balestre around. Some of what was playing out on track and behind the scenes wasn't necessarily good for the sport. Shift that in to the modern era and there would be uproar.
When Prost and Senna were. taking each other out they were careful to unsure that they did it in a relatively ‘safe area’ as the likelihood of death or serious injury was much more likely then than it is today. A collision similar to the incident this year at Monza could have killed them both. Safety improvements have allowed some to push the envelope too far without getting hurt and without getting appropriate penalties . It is ridiculous that changing a gearbox incurs a greater penalty than ignoring a yellow flag. The current tendency, driven by obscene amounts of money, in many sports seems to focus on the spectacle rather than the competition. Formula 1 unfortunately is going down that road and will be poorer for it
This FIA statement is an interesting read... https://www.fia.com/news/statement-fia-world-motor-sport-council Sound like: "We done messed up, but let us try explain why we haven't done messed up."
I like this bit: "The FIA’s primary responsibility at any event is to ensure the safety of everyone involved and the integrity of the sport." So they think they ensured the integrity of the sport!!!!
So that's to ensure safety at any event, but not all events... right? The wording in that statement suggests it's the fault of the stupid fans, drivers and teams for not understanding the rules and making a fuss over nothing, rather than any indication of reflection by the FIA. Meanwhile the FIA had the photoshoot for their prize gala tonight. Here's a photo of all the winning constructor's in FIA series in 2021: please log in to view this image Now those with a keen eye might notice something* is missing, I wonder who could have no-showed the FIA for such an important promotional event... *Or two things, if you've a very keen eye.
It's now just a game of chicken between the FIA and Mercedes, seeing who blinks first. Or more likely, who has the best deal on the sly.
The FIA statement indicates that they know it is a mess but has no guts except to be clear going forward. They do not admit a mistake and injustice may have taken place. Sill no final clarity on Mercedes next move. This announcement seems to be an attempt to placate Mercedes so they don't proceed with their protest. I am guessing the FIA had to make their statement before Mercedes would agree to back down. The fans know the truth even if the sport doesn't.
From the BBC... Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 'tarnishing image' of F1, says sport's governing body https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/59675264 At a news conference on Wednesday at Red Bull's UK F1 headquarters, Verstappen and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said Masi needed more support to be able to do his job effectively.
A little interesting that the BBC are running with that headline, when Andrew Benson has expressed the view (on twitter) that the FIA statement blames the reaction to the Grand Prix, rather than the race itself, for the reputational damage being done. Little bit of stirring the pot there?
Expected after the FIA announcement yesterday, they would not have made that if the appeal continued. We have our own view as to who the Champion really is.
I was banking on them appealing to hopefully fix the shambles that is "for the show" FIA. Not sure I'll be able to motivate myself to watch if things stay unchanged. Who knows, maybe if I take it as scripted entertainment I might change tune.
I think if the rules clarity and revision deals with the ambiguities and the responsible persons correctly adhere to them you will cope, if they don't, you won't be alone. I sincerely hope RBR struggle next year and the rules clarity reigns in Max's wilder side. I want to see Ferrari and McLaren back up the front competing with Mercedes.
