---
title: "Horner anticipates F1 race director to be ‘better supported’ in 2022"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2022/02/08/horner-anticipates-f1-race-director-to-be-better-supported-in-2022/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Hamilton Lyndon-Griffiths"
section: "F1 News"
published: "2022-02-08T10:39:51Z"
modified: "2022-02-08T10:39:53Z"
---

# Horner anticipates F1 race director to be ‘better supported’ in 2022

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner says he expects the FIA to make changes to provide Formula 1’s race director role with better support this year.

A full investigation is currently being carried out by the FIA into the final laps of last year’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, after race director Michael Masi was heavily scrutinised for his decision making regarding the safety car restart.

Masi’s failure to follow the sporting regulations led to a post-race protest from Mercedes, who had witnessed Lewis Hamilton lose out on the drivers’ title after being overtaken by Max Verstappen on the final lap.

New FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has stressed the importance of resolving the controversy and has held talks with F1 teams and drivers over the matter.

There is a likelihood that changes will be made in race control to ensure the race director has greater support when making decisions.

Speaking to Sky Sports on the red carpet at the Autosport Awards on Sunday, Horner said he anticipates a revised structure that will ease the pressure on the race director.

“The new president has put a key focus on this, and I think there’s a drive to make sure that the race director has better support,” Horner said.

“The tools we have at our disposal are far in advance of that of Michael and his team. So I think there has been a lot of focus on that over the winter.

“I think you’ll see that role better supported, which will hopefully enable decisions to be easier and swifter. I think we also need to look at the regulations to simplify some of those as well.”

Speculation over Masi’s future is still up for debate following the FIA’s general secretary for sport Peter Bayer recently admitting the Australian could be replaced.

The findings of the investigation are due to be revealed at the F1 commission next week, before any changes can be approved prior to the season opener in Bahrain next month.

Asked if the running saga over Abu Dhabi had in any way muted Red Bull and Verstappen’s title celebrations, Horner replied: “Not really, because the only ones talking about it have been you guys!

“We’ve enjoyed getting that championship victory, and obviously focus is now on 2022. ’21 is already history, but we’re excited about the season ahead.”