F1 race directors Freitas and Wittich test positive for Covid-19 ahead of Miami GP

• Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich, who were appointed to share the race director role following the sacking of Masi, have tested positive for Covid-19
• Former race director Michael Masi was fired following the controversial Abu Dhabi title between Verstappen and Hamilton in 2021
• The inaugural Miami Grand Prix will take place from May 6 to 8, with the race taking place on a circuit built around the city’s Hard Rock Stadium

Formula 1 race directors Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich have both tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of next weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.

According to Sky Sports News, both tested positive this week. It would imply that there is a good chance it will be harmful to the inaugural Miami event, which begins next Friday.

Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich replaced Michael Masi as F1 ace directors. Photo/Autosport

The FIA says it will not comment on “unproven” reports and will “only disclose medical information about our personnel if relevant to the event’s running.”

Freitas and Wittich are the only two race directors designated for the 2022 season. Following a review of the contentious 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi, they were named as Michael Masi’s replacements.

Masi is currently in Australia and is not considered a potential replacement if Freitas and Wittich cannot compete in Miami.

Herbie Blash, a longtime deputy to the late Charlie Whiting, and Colin Haywood, who was due to be the deputy race director in Miami, are the more likely candidates.

The inaugural Miami Grand Prix will take place from May 6 to 8, with the race taking place on a circuit built around the city’s Hard Rock Stadium.

The race in Florida has been added to the F1 calendar on a 10-year contract. The sport will also visit the Circuit Of The Americas for the United States Grand Prix from October 21 to 23. Next year, Las Vegas will be the third American race on the calendar.

Miami GP will take place on 6th to 8th of may. Photo: Autosport

However, neither has previously held the position of the F1 race director. Scott Elkins, the DTM race director, is another possibility.

Steve Nielsen, Formula One’s sporting director, is said to be out of options.

“There is no doubt in my mind that the Formula 1 community and the sport’s fanbase worldwide are going to be amazed by what they see next May,” Miami GP CEO Richard Cregan said last year.

“This location is already well known for creating unforgettable experiences for events like the Super Bowl and Miami Open. We look forward to embracing an entirely new global sporting occasion.”