The first Saudi Arabia Grand Prix was chaotic to say the least. One moment that stood out from the other incidents of the Sunday race was when race director Michael Masi “negotiated” the starting positions with Red Bull.
ADVERTISING
The article continues below this ad
However, Masi said that such similar conversations have taken place before and that they are quite normal. He added that he wouldn’t call it a deal as the final decision will be made by the team themselves.
Michael Masi explains his interview with Red Bull in Jeddah
ADVERTISING
The article continues below this ad
Red Bull and Mercedes fought hard at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix after the fall of Mick Schumacher, who caused the red flag. The conversation between the pit walls between the team and the FIA was broadcast about the starting order for the restart.
Masi said, “It is a perfectly normal discussion that takes place and has regularly on a number of occasions [done] all year and before. I wouldn’t call it a deal as, from a race director’s point of view, I have no authority to instruct the teams to do anything in this situation. I can make you an offer [I have] the ability to do so, but the choice is theirs. “
Formula 1 F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia – Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – December 5, 2021 Red Bulls Max Verstappen in action with Mercedes Lewis Hamilton during the REUTERS / Ahmed Yosri race
“The stewards are of course authorized to impose penalties, but I can give them my perspective. That’s why I offered them to leave this position. It was a consequence of the red flag that was created due to the incident at Turn 3. The priority on any red flag is A to make sure the drivers are safe and then to enable marshals to recover with track cleaning and so on. “
He added, “So it seemed a little stretched out compared to normal, but it’s a perfectly normal discussion that is going on. When I saw it happen on Turn 2, I immediately suggested to the stewards that I give the opportunity [to Red Bull] to return this place. “
“The red flag followed very quickly, of course, and that was absolutely the priority before we started again. Since we were under the suspension, it was an opportunity to effectively correct this before we got back into the race, ”he concluded.
View story: From the shocking Lewis Hamilton crash to the Ferrari pit stop mistake: The most sensational moments in Bahrain GP history
ADVERTISING
The article continues below this ad
Can Red Bulls Max Verstappen take a win in Abu Dhabi?
So far this season, the Red Bull driver has pushed himself to the limit. Verstappen is embroiled in a heated battle with Hamilton. As things stand, both title contenders are tied in the drivers’ standings after the events of the Saudi Arabia GP with 369.5 points.
Formula 1 F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia – Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – December 5, 2021 The runner-up Red Bull Max Verstappen celebrates with the trophy on the podium after the pool race via REUTERS / Andrej Isakovic
No question about it, the whole world is watching the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. As soon as the lights go out in the Yas Marina on Sunday, Max will throw everything at Lewis. Can the Dutchman beat the seven-time world champion and win his first world title? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
ADVERTISING
The article continues below this ad
DIVE DEEPER
Did you enjoy reading this article? Download our exclusive app for 24×7 coverage, latest memes and social media banter. Click here to download.
The post F1 race director watered down controversial Saudi Arabia GP Red Bull deal as “normal” first appeared on monter-une-startup.
