Leclerc and Sainz on Masi's departure: 'I trust the FIA'
General
- GPblog.com
Ferrari acknowledged through team boss Mattia Binotto that it was one of the teams that supported the decision to send Michael Masi away. After the presentation of the new F1-75, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc were also asked for their opinions. Both drivers are keeping fairly quiet about the developments presented by the FIA on Thursday afternoon.
Leclerc trusts FIA
Quoted by NOS, Leclerc says:"I have a lot of respect for Michael and for what he has done. It's an incredibly difficult track. Whatever Masi had decided in Abu Dhabi, it would always have been controversial. I trust that the FIA has made the right decision. They have much more info than I do," said the Monegasque driver.
Masi will be replaced from next season by Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas, from the DTM and WEC respectively. The Australian can reportedly remain active within the FIA, but whether he himself is waiting for that remains to be seen. Sainz warns his successors that they will have a lot to deal with in Formula 1.
Sainz hopes the choice will be a good one
He also thanks Masi for services rendered. "I wish Michael the best. He has done a lot for Formula 1. The new race directors will have a tough job, but I like the first ideas of the FIA. I hope it will make our sport better and brighter. That's good for the fans and the teams."
Leclerc and Sainz will get into the new car for the first time tomorrow during a demo event at the Fiorano circuit, A maximum of fifteen kilometers will be driven then. The official shakedown and thus film day will take place on February 22 at the Barcelona circuit. Then a hundred kilometers can be driven.