Mattia Binotto has backed the FIA’s decision to axe under-fire Formula 1 race director Michael Masi. They will “act alternatively as race director” starting with the forthcoming Barcelona test, “assisted by Herbie Blash as permanent senior advisor”. Alexey Popov, the outspoken Russian F1 commentator for Match TV, said the removal of Masi as race director is “a gift for Mercedes before they launch their new car” on Friday. “We all have to trust the FIA to make the right decisions and that’s why I can only support these reforms,” he said on the day Ferrari revealed its 2022 car. “What is most important is the unrestricted independence of the FIA, which requires complete mutual trust,” Binotto added.

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