Formula 1 can be proud of COVID-19 protocols after opening races - Masi
Formula 1 race director Michael Masi believes the series can be proud of what it has achieved in the wake of COVID-19 after the opening three races of the season
Masi was one of the key FIA players, who along with F1 and the teams, created and implemented special protocols that allowed the season to start with two races in Austria and one in Hungary earlier this month.
Protocols have included compulsory mask wearing and social distancing, as well as limited numbers of people in the paddock and on the grid (below).
Out of thousands of tests only two support personnel, who had not been in Austria, tested positive ahead of the Hungarian race but that had no impact on the weekend.
"I think as a sport and as an industry, we should be very proud of what we have achieved over these first three events," said Masi.
"Considering the time that obviously we've had collectively, particularly between the FIA and together with F1 in developing the return to racing plan, the methods, the protocols, the support from everyone about the pit lane, journalists, support categories, has been fantastic.
"Yes, it's been a learning experience for all of us. There's been minor tweaks along the way, but overall, as a process and as a structure, I think we're about there. I'm proud of what we've done."
Masi acknowledged that the positive tests were still a reminder of the risks associated with coronavirus ahead of two races at Silverstone next month, and that the championship can not become complacent - thoughts echoed by F1 managing director of motorsports Ross Brawn earlier this month.
"There's certainly a level of confidence. I think one part is not to be complacent, it's probably the big part," said Masi.
"The fact we have got through the first three events with only the two cases, but effectively outside of the paddock, one thing that we all need to be conscious of is that COVID-19 is very much around us, and everywhere, globally.
"So we can't just drop the ball getting to Silverstone and think we're invincible. The only thing that I can say is my biggest fear is people becoming complacent, and we just need to stick with the process that we've developed."
Share Or Save This Story
Krack: Aston Martin F1 team no longer in “no-man’s land”
Gasly rues costly floor damage from Ocon contact in F1 Japanese GP
How an F1 underachiever became a Japanese political player
What we learned from the 2026 F1 British GP sprint race and qualifying
Wolff: "Emotional" Vasseur misunderstood comments on Ferrari
F1 British GP: Antonelli takes pole position, Russell down in fourth
LIVE: F1 British GP commentary and updates – Antonelli claims pole position
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments