Max Verstappen, the two-time Formula 1 World Champion, has voiced his confusion over the recent decision by the FIA to replace the race director midway through the season. The Dutch driver expressed that he found the move “a bit weird,” as it came without clear explanation or precedent, leaving him perplexed about the reasoning behind the change.
In Formula 1, the race director plays a crucial role in overseeing the rules, enforcing penalties, and ensuring the safety of drivers and teams throughout each Grand Prix. The FIA’s decision to swap out the race director during a season is not something typically seen in the sport’s history. Historically, the position has seen very few changes mid-season, and Verstappen, having grown accustomed to the working relationship with the previous race directors, was surprised by the timing and the lack of transparency surrounding the switch.
The change in question involves the departure of Michael Masi, the FIA’s previous race director, who was a central figure in the controversial decisions that shaped the dramatic end to the 2021 season. Masi’s role in the final laps of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix—particularly his handling of the safety car situation—was heavily criticized and led to widespread debates. In the aftermath, Masi was replaced by Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas, both experienced race directors, with Wittich taking on the lead role for 2022.
For Verstappen, the shift in race directors has left him with a sense of uncertainty. He questioned the need for a mid-season switch and the lack of clear communication about the reasons for the decision. The change, according to Verstappen, creates an unnecessary distraction in an already demanding sport. The consistency of the race director’s decisions is critical for drivers, as it directly influences the outcomes of races, and any alteration to that dynamic can throw off the balance of expectations.
While Verstappen did not question the competence of the new directors, he emphasized that such mid-season changes can be unsettling, especially for drivers who have spent the entirety of their careers getting used to a particular way of operating. The 2021 season saw its own challenges with race director decisions, and Verstappen acknowledged that these kinds of changes could affect the flow and fairness of a championship.
Verstappen’s comments also reflect a broader concern within the F1 paddock about the lack of continuity in FIA leadership roles, especially considering the significance of the race director’s decisions. F1 teams, drivers, and other stakeholders are used to a specific set of protocols, and such changes—especially when they occur without clear explanation—can cause confusion among those who rely on consistency in the sport’s governance.
The timing of this change has also raised eyebrows. The mid-season switch comes as the 2024 F1 season intensifies, with Verstappen and his Red Bull team continuing to dominate the championship. With so much on the line for all involved, the sudden change in race director leadership has only added to the complexity of an already highly competitive environment.
In response to Verstappen’s comments, the FIA has yet to provide a comprehensive explanation for the timing and reasons behind the decision. However, Verstappen’s reaction is a reminder of the impact that such decisions can have on the broader F1 community and the importance of clear communication in maintaining trust among drivers and teams.
