Motorsports
Massey has been removed from the position of race director in Formula 1
Michael Massey has resigned as Formula 1 racing director, according to new FIA President Mohamed Ben Sulawesi.
Michael Massey has resigned as Formula 1 racing director.
Starting with the tests taking place in Barcelona next week, the position will be filled alternately by Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich, with Herbie Blash taking on the role of agent.
The decision comes after the FIA investigated what happened at the last race in Abu Dhabi, when Max Ferstappen passed Lewis Hamilton on the last lap to claim a controversial victory and the world title.
Ben Sulawesi specifically stated: “I would like to inform you that a new race control team will be set up from Barcelona and during the testing phase. Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas alternate in the role of race director, supported by Herbie Blash as permanent senior advisor.
“Michael Masi, who has done a very demanding job as head of Formula 1 racing for three years and replaces Charlie Whiting, will be offered a new position in the FIA.”
The FIA President also revealed important changes that will take effect from the new season:
- A virtual race control room will be set up to support the race director in decision making. Like the VAR in football, he is placed in one of the FIA offices as an off-track support. He will be in constant contact with the F1 Race Director and will help with the correct application of the regulations using the most modern technological tools.
- In-game communication between the teams and the match manager, previously broadcast live on TV, will be discontinued to protect the match manager from any pressure and allow him to make calm decisions. The opportunity to ask questions to the race director will continue following a clearly defined and non-intrusive procedure.
- The procedures applicable to lap cars behind the safety car will be re-evaluated by the F1 Sports Advisory Committee and presented before the start of the season.
Sophia Jhon is a sports journalist and author. He has worked as a news editor for Sportish and is now a sport columnist for the same publication. Alberta’s professional interests lie largely in sports news, with an emphasis on English football. He has also written articles on other sporting topics.
Max Verstappen shared his first impressions of the sound of the new generation Formula 1 power plants created according to the 2026 technical regulations.
Next season, the championship will see the most comprehensive changes to engine architecture since the introduction of turbo-hybrid units in 2014. The regulations foresee the abandonment of the MGU-H system, as well as a significant increase in the role of the electrical component; The ratio between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor will be 50 to 50.
Even though there is just over a month until the cars hit the track, Verstappen was pleased to hear the new engine was running.
Verstappen said: “It sounds good. Of course you hear it in the stands, but the sound is clear and pleasant. I don’t think anyone has specifically worked on the noise but it’s really good.” he said.
For the first time in its history, the Red Bull team is building its own power plant, working in partnership with the American automobile giant Ford.
Verstappen wants to challenge for the Formula One title again in the 2026 season after his tense championship defeat to Lando Norris this month. However, the Dutch pilot plans to take a break from F1 before the new season starts.
“I’m really looking forward to it – I really need it. I also want to make sure that everything I do within the program next year will be well prepared, especially the GT3 project. That’s the most important thing for me at the moment, that everything is in the right state,” summarized the pilot.
Source: Sport UA
Ruth Waterhouse is an author and sports journalist who writes for Sportish. She is known for her coverage of various sports events and her insightful analysis of sports-related news. With a passion for sports and a keen eye for detail, she has become a respected voice in the sports community.
Audi F1 chief Mattia Binotto shared his expectations for the German automobile manufacturer to participate in the championship for the first time, which is planned to be held in the 2026 season.
Audi completed the 100% acquisition of Sauber in 2024 and then began a large-scale personnel restructuring. In particular, former Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Whitley joined the team and took on the role of team leader. The goal of the project is to gradually turn into a contender for victories.
Binotto, who is responsible for the technical development of the bases in Hinwil and Neuburg an der Donau, urged not to expect overnight success.
“We need patience; we are still in the team building phase. I don’t expect at all that we will have a better engine next year. But this is not decisive because our main targets are set for 2030.”
“We do not plan to cause a sensation in 2026,” Binotto said.
The Italian pilot also emphasized that Audi is moving in the right direction and is gradually gaining confidence within the team.
“The dynamics have changed significantly. Employees see it well; we are expanding and investing in long-term projects. This increases the credibility of the enterprise.”
Audi is fully committed to Formula 1. “Current investments are an investment in the future and we will see the results of this in 3-4 years.”
Source: Sport UA
Ruth Waterhouse is an author and sports journalist who writes for Sportish. She is known for her coverage of various sports events and her insightful analysis of sports-related news. With a passion for sports and a keen eye for detail, she has become a respected voice in the sports community.
Audi F1 chief Mattia Binotto shared his expectations for the German automobile manufacturer to participate in the championship for the first time, which is planned to be held in the 2026 season.
Audi completed the 100% acquisition of Sauber in 2024 and then began a large-scale personnel restructuring. In particular, former Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Whitley joined the team and took on the role of team leader. The goal of the project is to gradually turn into a contender for victories.
Binotto, who is responsible for the technical development of the bases in Hinwil and Neuburg an der Donau, urged not to expect overnight success.
“We need patience; we are still in the team building phase. I don’t expect at all that we will have a better engine next year. But this is not decisive because our main targets are set for 2030.”
“We do not plan to cause a sensation in 2026,” Binotto said.
The Italian pilot also emphasized that Audi is moving in the right direction and is gradually gaining confidence within the team.
“The dynamics have changed significantly. Employees see it well; we are expanding and investing in long-term projects. This increases the credibility of the enterprise.”
Audi is fully committed to Formula 1. “Current investments are an investment in the future and we will see the results of this in 3-4 years.”
Source: Sport UA
Ruth Waterhouse is an author and sports journalist who writes for Sportish. She is known for her coverage of various sports events and her insightful analysis of sports-related news. With a passion for sports and a keen eye for detail, she has become a respected voice in the sports community.
-
Ligue 13 years agoRenato Sanchez signed in Paris for five years
-
Europa League4 years agoIn transfer alert at Olympiakos for additions and concessions
-
Europa League4 years agoFenerbahce – Eintracht 1: 1: The Germans took 1st place in the Olympiacos group
-
Europa League4 years agoWithout Nainggolan and Samata, the 11th team from Antwerp
-
Europa League4 years agoEuropa League
-
Europa League4 years agoAtalanta announced the acquisition of Boga
-
Europa League4 years agoFears that Zapata will be out for 4 months
-
Premier League4 years agoExcept for the rest of January, Sean was injured