No more contact between teams and race directors? 'Think that's better'

F1 News

14 February 2022 at 19:54
Last update 14 February 2022 at 20:07
  • GPblog.com

Jenson Button thinks that from now on teams should talk to the race director after a race. During the race there would be too much emotion among the teams and also the race director. According to the 2009 champion, the stewards should come up with a decision among themselves.

Team radios need to come under scrutiny

There has been much ado about the final Grand Prix of 2021. In Abu Dhabi, race director Michael Masi made the call to "unlap" the cars that were between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, so that Verstappen with fresher tires could attempt to overtake Hamilton with one lap to go. This succeeded and ensured Verstappen took the world title.

Masi's action caused much outrage in the paddock. Button has his own opinion about it and says in an interview with Sky Sports that instead of just looking at Masi, the teams should also be looked at. During the race teams can let the race director know what their view is on certain events in the race.

Moment for conversation only after the race

Button thinks it would be a good idea for the teams to stop connecting with the race committee: "Maybe they shouldn't have their opinions voiced to Michael Masi, maybe that's a way forward, so Michael Masi can make the decision on his own."

Instead of during the race, there should be a moment after the race to talk to the management thinks Button. "I think it's wrong because there's so much emotion coming from the teams but also for Michael Masi it's difficult because so much adrenaline. A lot of people watch what he does, so I think it's better that the stewards can discuss it between themselves and come up with a decision and obviously have the rule book in front of them as well."