BREAKING | This is who will replace Michael Masi as F1 Race Director

Masi's successors

The FIA has determined that changes need to take place within the organisation. Masi has taken on the role of race director since the 2019 season but will have to leave his position after three years. However, the Australian will continue to work for the FIA, where he will be offered a new role. It is not yet known what his new position will look like.

Masi will be replaced by Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich as of 2022. The two will rotate the position during the season. In addition, the race directors will be assisted by senior advisor Herbie Blash, who was previously Charlie Whiting's deputy. In 2016, the FIA announced that Blash would step down, but the Brit is now returning. There will also be a virtual control room, similar to VAR in football, that will support the race control.

Who are Freitas and Wittich?

Wittich comes over from the DTM, where he worked as a race director. The German brings over eight years of race director experience to Formula 1. Wittich is not unfamiliar with F1, where he has been employed for several races. In addition to his position as race director, Wittich also works as a track inspector.

Freitas comes from the WEC, where he has gained respect and admiration for his unflappable and strict manner. The Portuguese official has been working as FIA race director since 2012. In his position, he was responsible for Le Mans, WEC, ELMS and the Asian LMS, among others.

The FIA is clearly going for men with a lot of experience as race directors in other racing classes. The rotation of the position should ensure that there is less pressure on one person. Mohammed Ben Saluyem explains more about the FIA's decisions in a video.