Immediately after the Imola Grand Prix, the news arrived that both race directors tested positive for Covid-19: Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas, who arrived at the start of the season in place of Michael Masi. Formula 1 had already set in motion to find a replacement race director but according to some media reports Wittich would be negative and ready for Miami.
Currently in most countries it is sufficient to present a vaccination certificate, but for the US you still need to submit a negative test within 24 hours of travel. This would have blocked both race directors with positive results after the weekend at Imola.
We are now in the week that will lead us to the first Miami Grand Prix, the first in the USA in this season. There Formula 1 in conclusion, with the preparations for the big event, he keeps everyone in suspense with a doubt concerning one of the key points of the sporting event, i.e. the Race Direction, which with the positivity of both appointed directors would have had to resort to a replacement. Social media immediately went wild, bringing up the name of again Michael Massi.
Plan B
La FIA was already preparing a contingency plan, with the race director of Formula E Scott Elkins as a possible substitute. However, according to some media reports such as The Race it would not be necessary since Wittich would have tested negative.
In place of Freitas there will be Colin Haywood
As Deputy Race Director in place of Freitas, who shouldn't have left for the United States as engaged in World Endurance Championship in Spa next weekend, there will be Colin Haywood. This decision was already budgeted given the commitments of Freitas, who during these first 4 races let manage the role of Race Director a Wittich. The two will alternate throughout the season.
