Max Verstappen has given his take on the FIA's decision to revert to having one Race Director for the remainder of 2022. Ahead of the season, it was announced that Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas would alternate in the role during the campaign following Michael Masi's departure from the position. In light of the rain-affected Japanese Grand Prix, the governing body confirmed that a series of procedural changes would come into effect from the United States Grand Prix onwards, with this including different procedures for when a recovery vehicle is on the track. Additionally, the FIA confirmed that Wittich would permanently hold the Race Director role for the final four Grands Prix of 2022 rather than sharing with Freitas, who was in charge for the race at Suzuka.
Verstappen acknowledges 'difficult' situation for FIA
When asked for his thoughts on the Race Director situation following qualifying in Austin, Verstappen suggested that it will take time for the right solution to become clear. "About the Race Director situation, from my side I guess time will tell what is right," Verstappen told media, including RacingNews365.com . "Do you need one? Do you need two? Do you need three? Five? I don't know. It's difficult." In terms of the wider changes made following the Japanese Grand Prix, Verstappen feels that communication is key in scenarios where visibility is an issue. Pierre Gasly was amongst those to voice his anger after experiencing a near-miss with the recovery vehicle on track. "if you don't know that there is a crane there, then I can understand, of course, people get quite upset," the Red Bull driver said. "So probably already there, knowing that we have these visibility issues, you can communicate faster and better about, 'Guys, we have to send a crane onto the track to get the car away.' "I think that would have helped already a lot. So that's, I think, for sure what will change for the future if it happens again. "And then, the rest of Suzuka, this is an ongoing topic which I think is also not something you can easily solve overnight."
Sainz: It's been a tough year for the FIA
Carlos Sainz has showed his support for the FIA in their decisions, though chose not to publicly disclose his thoughts on the Race Director change. "I'm going to keep my thoughts to myself on that one, and I'm going to let the FIA know what is my preference, but I really trust that the FIA are doing everything they can do to keep improving," the Spaniard commented. "I'm not going to lie, it's been a tough year for them and we all want progress and we all want to go in the right direction, and we're going to do everything we can to help them."
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