Magnussen: F1 drivers must be patient with new race director Masi

Masi stepped in as race director at the Australian Grand Prix earlier this month after the sudden death of Charlie Whiting on the eve of the season opener.

The Australian, who worked alongside Whiting at several races last year, will again serve as race director in Bahrain this weekend and had to chair the drivers' briefing for the first time.

The meeting was reportedly a low-key one, with a tribute to Whiting followed by little debate.

"Obviously it's weird not having Charlie there," said Magnussen.

"We're used to him and there's no doubt we all felt really comfortable talking to Charlie.

"We felt that when we raised a concern with Charlie that it was taken care of, being looked at quickly and efficiently.

"The FIA is going to have to get that up and running quickly again, that kind of relationship.

"We all know we probably have to be a bit patient because it's a very new situation. They'll get it under control."

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen said the Australian GP weekend had run smoothly but, alluding to Whiting's wider role in writing regulations, said it was still early to judge how the FIA was operating without Whiting.

"Honestly, I think they covered it really well, which is a hard job," said the Dutchman.

"I guess we'll find out through time what the big differences will be, because I think there at the track, you know what to do and I think they know how to handle it well, but with upcoming questions or regulations or whatever, you will maybe find out."

Lewis Hamilton added he had no concerns about the change.

"I don't really know the guy, so I'm sure it will take us time to get to know each other," said Hamilton.

"He's been around, as far as I'm aware, so it's not as if he's new to it.

"He's shadowed Charlie in the past, so it should be quite a smooth transition."