Formula 1 race director Michael Masi believes that teams have slightly changed their usage of the radio that allows them to speak to him since the decision was made to publicly broadcast it. Teams have had the facility that enables them to discuss any issues with race control for a long time, but these messages have only been aired to the public since the 2021 season. The first time it was heard was during the Spanish Grand Prix, where Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was heard complaining to Masi that Nikita Mazepin needed to be shown blue flags to allow Lewis Hamilton to lap him. Additionally at the Styrian Grand Prix, a message from McLaren was broadcast during Friday's free practice when they voiced their concerns about Valtteri Bottas spinning near their crew in the pit lane. When asked if teams are using the radio to "cry foul" too much, Masi admitted that he believes they actually use the system less now that they are aware it is being broadcast. "I think to be fair, each sporting team, it's no different in F1, will utilise the radio, knowing that it's there," Masi told RacingNews365.com and other select media. "It's been there for many years, obviously just broadcast now. If anything, knowing now that the teams know that it's broadcast, it's actually probably reduced the radio traffic in race control and, maybe from the team's perspective, [it is] making them probably think twice before they ask a question." Masi has also clarified that, when it comes to the stewards making decisions, the team to FIA radio does not have an influence. "The stewards don't actually hear any of those communications between myself and the teams, and don't hear the commentary of the races either," Masi said. "So they're not aware of that side of it in any way, shape or form."
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