As a rule, in response to requests for clarity in the regulations, the FIA has issued technical instructions to the teams that enable it to close loopholes and make changes for safety reasons.
In the past six weeks, however, three high-profile technical guidelines have been issued, beginning with a crackdown on the rear wing stiffness amid intrigues about Red Bull’s so-called “Flexi-Wing” design at the Spanish Grand Prix.
A second technical brief was sent to the teams following a flat tire in Baku, introducing stricter tire pressure controls, while a third came ahead of the Styrian Grand Prix last week to slow down pit stops for safety reasons.
Ferrari sporting director Laurent Mekies said last weekend he wanted the FIA to discuss matters with the teams before sending technical instructions, while Alfa Romeo boss Frederic Vasseur is more direct opposed to the approach.
“I think it’s not the way to go that we have more TDs than press releases now on Monday morning,” Vasseur said. “Every Monday we have a list of TDs. It’s the new way to rule F1 and it’s not the right way. [The] The next topic will be the deflection of the front wings, we have to talk about that. “
Masi felt the increased use of technical instruction this year was simply due to the fierce title fight between Mercedes and Red Bull, with all three of the most recent rule changes affecting at least one of the title-fighting teams.
“Of course with a number of areas and with an increasing step in the battle at the front, [it] has certainly heated up a lot more than what we’ve seen in a while, ”said Masi when asked about Vasseur’s comments by Motorsport.com. “And the need for clarification on company guidelines and guidelines in certain areas has increased, yes.
“But I think that has also increased as a direct consequence of what is on the right track with the competitive order.”
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But Masi disagreed with Vasseur’s belief that this was a new way of governing Formula 1, saying the FIA’s technical department merely clarified the rules that were already in place.
“I wouldn’t call it a governance mechanism,” Masi said. “But it is certainly a way to communicate with all teams about how certain regulations can be interpreted from the point of view of the internal technical department, or how certain procedures can be followed to determine compliance or otherwise.
“And the clarity around that, everyone wants more and more clarity in certain areas, hence the number of them with everything that is going on.”
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