F1 | Findings on Abu Dhabi controversy to be announced on the 18th of March as FIA conducts analysis
Discussions on the use of the Safety Car will take place next week, with the World Motor Sport Council announcing the findings on the 18th of March.
It was confirmed today that the World Motor Sport council will announce the findings of the analysis into the closing stages of the controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last month on Friday the 18th of March in Bahrain, two days before the opening race of the new campaign at the Sakhir International Circuit.
Formula One Race Director Michael Masi has come under heavy scrutiny for his part in the championship decider.
The Australian had initially decided that lapped cars between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen wouldn’t be allowed to overtake, but following messages from Christian Horner and Jonathan Wheatley of Red Bull, he allowed only the cars between the two title contenders to unlap themselves.
It meant Verstappen had an easy run at Hamilton on the final lap with his fresh soft tyres to overtake the Brit, win the race and his first Drivers’ Championship.
Next Wednesday will see discussions about the use of the Safety Car as requested by the new FIA President.
“Following the decision of the World Motor Sport Council in Paris on 15 December 2021, the FIA administration, under the leadership of Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has started the detailed analysis of the events of the last Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix,” said the FIA in an official statement.
“The FIA President launched a consultation with all F1 teams on various issues, including this one.
“On January 19, an item on the agenda of the Sporting Advisory Committee will be dedicated to the use of the Safety Car.
“The following stage will be a shared discussion with all F1 drivers.
“The outcome for the detailed analysis will be presented to the F1 Commission in February and final decisions will be announced at the World Motor Sport Council in Bahrain on 18 March.
“FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has asked Secretary General Sport and recently appointed Single-Seater Director Peter Bayer for proposals to review and optimise the organization of the FIA F1 structure for the 2022 season.”
FIA Statement #F1 pic.twitter.com/SQXKxK5LOG
— FIA (@fia) January 13, 2022
