Lewis Hamilton wants to bring huge changes to F1, allegedly. This is remarkable as he’s been for the most part completely silent since the tumultuous end of the 2021 season, but fans believe that Lewis Hamilton is expecting big changes from the FIA for him to return to Formula 1, and it looks like he may get his wish at least in a superficial manner.
Two weeks before the presentation of the new Mercedes for the 2022 season, Lewis Hamilton’s future is still uncertain.
The British driver had a very difficult time during the last lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, when Max Verstappen overtook him to win the title after Michael Masi’s controversial decisions that were entirely his right to make as FIA race director.
Massi was singled out by many for his handling of the safety car procedure, and his insistence on restarting the race for a final lap of green flag racing. As a result, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes, anxious that such a situation should not occur again, are reportedly calling for Michael Masi’s departure and for major changes to the regulations.
Peter Bayer, the new F1 chief at the FIA, mentioned this possibility recently saying:
“We are considering a better division of the race director’s tasks, who is at the same time sporting director, safety officer and race director. This is simply too much for one person. These roles will now be split between several people, which will reduce the workload of the race director.”
A position apparently confirmed by the Guardian, the British media outlet has contacted sources within the FIA, which is continuing its investigation “in an impartial manner, looking in depth at whether the rules were followed” regarding the events of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
According to the Guardian, the changes coming should not lead to Michael Masi’s departure, but to several major alterations to procedure, notably regarding the safety car rules, to make them clearer.
The ability for team managers to lobby the race director live via radio as events unfold would be removed, following the broadcast of communications between Michael Masi, Toto Wolff and Christian Horner, which is perhaps a shame as this provided a fair amount of entertainment to the audiences.
These changes are likely to be the best the FIA is willing to do for Lewis Hamilton, who some think does not want to relive the feeling of injustice. A condition for the British driver to accept to continue his career.
But in all honestly, it is quite clear the FIA is merely paying lip service to Wolff and Hamilton in order for them to save some face after the ridiculous and improper behaviour of not showing to the end of season event. A mandatory requirement of all F1 participants, especially a top team such as Mercedes Benz.