Eduardo Freitas and Nils Vitich, who was appointed joint race directors following Michael Massi’s departure, are believed to have both tested positive this week. The Miami Formula 1 Grand Prix takes place next Friday.
The FIA would not comment on reports it said were “baseless” and “only disclose medical information about our staff relevant to the event.”
Freitas and Wittich are the only two race directors nominate for the 2022 season. They were appointe to replace Michael Massi after considering the controversial 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Massi is currently in Australia and is not considere a potential replacement. If Freitas and Witic do not compete at the Miami GP.
The more likely choices are British veteran Herbie Blasch, longtime deputy of the late Charlie Whiting. And Colin Haywood, who will become Miami’s assistant race director.
However, no one has previously served as Formula 1 racing director. Scott Elkins, DTM racing director, could be another option.
Steve Nilsson, Formula 1’s sporting director, was not considere.
The inaugural Miami GP will be hold May 6-8, and the event will make its Formula One debut by racing on a track built around the city’s Hard Rock Stadium.
The Florida race was add to the F1 calendar on a 10-year contract. And the sport also visits the Circuit of America for the US Grand Prix on October 21-23. So Las Vegas will be the third US race on next year’s calendar. “There is no doubt that the Formula 1 community. And sports fans worldwide will be in awe of what they will see next May,” Miami GP CEO Richard Keegan said last year.
“This venue is well known for creating unforgettable experiences for events like the Super Bowl and Miami Open. We look forward to welcoming a completely new global sporting event.”