Fernando Alonso hopes the recent changes to the FIA's race governance structure have not come as a result of Michael Masi's decision-making in the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. With Masi ousted from his role as F1's Race Director, replaced by new signings Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas, Alonso welcomed the changes announced by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. However, the Spaniard has no complaints over how Masi handled the contentious Abu Dhabi race. "I mean, it's a new president, so he obviously wanted to make sure that everything was in place," Alonso told RACER , when asked for his opinion on the announced changes. "As I've said a couple of times, I like Mohammed, I like the approach he has, so if he thinks that we needed some new ideas there, then it's for the good for everyone, so I'm happy with that."
Alonso: "Maybe I have a different opinion..."
While the well-documented events of the 2021 season finale have resulted in a clear division between those who believe Masi's decision-making went against the rulebook and those who believe he made the right choices, Alonso did not see "anything wrong" with how the final laps played out. "On the whole thing of Abu Dhabi, maybe I have a different opinion," he commented. "I don't think there was anything wrong there. I don't think they changed it because of Abu Dhabi – or I hope not." Alonso's teammate, Esteban Ocon, had an opposing view, as he hinted at feeling as though the rulebook was not correctly followed. "If the rules can be followed the whole time and be more consistent, then I'm very pleased," he summed up.
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