Don't think it was that the rules weren't followed entirely; they state that the race director has discretion in the deployment of the SC. He made a decision that suited Red Bull but it wasn't totally against the rules per se.
There is an unwritten rule and ethos that states races should be resolved on the track as much as possible.
"Toto, it's a motor race"
I understand Masi's intention but he can't just change procedure at the drop of a hat.
They have stated that section 15.3 allows them to ignore the wording of section 48.12. And they are relying on 15.3(e). But that section only concerns the power to deploy or withdraw the safety car. All procedures for deploying or withdrawing the safety car is outside the powers in section 15 3(e). We have not heard the last of this. And it could have unexpected consequences if the FIA does not sort this out in a manner that satisfies Mercedes.
SECTION 15.3
15.3 The clerk of the course shall work in permanent consultation with the Race Director. The Race Director shall have overriding authority in the following matters and the clerk of the course may give orders in respect of them only with his express agreement:
a) The control of practice, sprint qualifying session and the race, adherence to the timetable
and, if he deems it necessary, the making of any proposal to the stewards to modify the timetable in accordance with the Code or Sporting Regulations.
b) The stopping of any car in accordance with the Code or Sporting Regulations.
c) The stopping of practice, suspension of a sprint qualifying session or suspension of the race in accordance with the Sporting Regulations if he deems it unsafe to continue and ensuring that the correct restart procedure is carried out.
d) The starting procedure.
e) The use of the safety car.
Section 15.3(e) simply says the Race Director has the power to order the deployment and withdrawal of the safety car at his discretion. By their ruling, they have extended the limits of this power. I think Mercedes will challenge the interpretation of section 15.3(e) to find out if the power intended by section 15.3(e) was correctly understood by Race Control and the Race Director.
It comes down to whether the FIA would back Masi at the expense of upsetting Mercedes. If they back Masi, then they will be opening a new can of worms by saying the rules are open to interpretation of the Race Director and are only there as a guide. This would be very problematic as it would open up the regulation to various interpretations depending on the politics of the moment.
If the FIA does not agree with Masi, it is very difficult for Masi to continue to hold that position going forward. As there would be a serious dent in Masi's integrity. He would not be able to command the respect of the paddock as a consequence. I think Mercedes and most of the grid willl not trust Masi after this race weekend anyway.
I hope it does not result in the beginning of Mercedes' withdrawal from the formula. But if it did, l would not be surprised at all.
