Michael Masi has been replaced as Formula 1 race director after the Abu Dhabi controversy which saw Lewis Hamilton beaten on the last lap by Max Verstappen..
There’s been huge amounts of scrutiny of Masi's handling of the final laps of the race in Abu Dhabi which saw Max Verstappen claim a maiden world crown.
The race director failed to correctly apply the rules during a safety car period late in the race which influenced the outcome of the Championship.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: "I would like to inform you that a new race management team will be put in place starting in Barcelona for the test session.
"Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas will act alternatively as Race Director, assisted by Herbie Blash as permanent senior advisor.
A Virtual Race Control Room will also be created, while direct radio communications between teams and the race director will be removed.
There’s been huge amounts of scrutiny of Masi's handling of the final laps of the race in Abu Dhabi which saw Max Verstappen claim a maiden world crown.
The race director failed to correctly apply the rules during a safety car period late in the race which influenced the outcome of the Championship.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: "I would like to inform you that a new race management team will be put in place starting in Barcelona for the test session.
"Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas will act alternatively as Race Director, assisted by Herbie Blash as permanent senior advisor.
A Virtual Race Control Room will also be created, while direct radio communications between teams and the race director will be removed.