FLOYD ON F1: Ghosts of 2021 loom large

The year 2022 heralds the launch of the new F1 format, with cars that will provide more overtaking opportunities and a plethora of sprint qualifying. This should, apparently, increase interest in the sport and attract greater numbers of spectators.

The media wires should be buzzing with myriad of predictions of what new format will produce but, unfortunately, most of the news channels still obsessed with Abu Dhabi 2021 and the drama that saw Max Verstappen be crowned F1 world champion.

I am not going to remind you of the controversial result, as F1 fans will be acutely aware of the details and have their own opinions. Sadly, many in the mainstream and on social media are still ranting over who must be held responsible, and are calling for FIA race director Michael Masi’s dismissal.

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As the FIA, with new president Mohammed bin Sulayem, have just commenced the promised investigation into the race – with the result only due to be announced on the Friday prior to the season opener in Bahrain – such calls are surely biased and very premature.

Perhaps we should consider the pressure applied to the Australian from team managers, such as Mercedes’ Toto Wolff and Red Bull’s Christian Horner, who have endeavoured to influence his official F1 race decisions on many occasions.

We have all heard such calls, as has the huge global F1 television audience, but making decisions as one is harangued by those with vested interests while being watched by several million people, must rate as the worst job ever.

I am not excusing any errors Masi may have made, but hope whatever the outcome of the investigation, they consider the many correct decisions he has made during his career.

Forced into the position just days before the start of the 2019 Australian season opener following the sudden death of predecessor Charlie Whiting was no easy task. I doubt any other could have coped as well.

Let’s get on with the positive side of F1.

To see the 2022 F1 calendar, click here.