Formula 1 team’s are thinking twice about what they say to the FIA over team radio following the move to broadcast certain messages, according to race director Michael Masi.
F1 began broadcasting team to FIA radio transmissions through the world feed earlier this year, which has given fans an additional insight into what happens during a race weekend.
It has been used at every race since the Spanish GP and has proven popular with fans.
However Masi revealed that radio traffic on the channel has been reduced because teams are wary of what will be shared on the world feed, with Mercedes’ Toto Wolff describing it as “highly entertaining” knowing what some sporting directors use the channel for.
“I think, to be fair, each sporting team, and it’s no different in F1, will utilise the radio knowing that it’s there,” said Masi.
“It’s been there for many years. Obviously it’s just broadcast now.
“If anything, knowing now that the teams know that it’s broadcast, it’s actually probably reduced the radio traffic in race control.
“From the team’s perspective, [it’s] making them probably think twice before they ask a question.”
The last broadcast to be shared publicly was of McLaren team manager Paul James, who complained about Valtteri Bottas’ spin in the pitlane during last weekend’s Styrian GP, which he called “absolutely ridiculous”, resulting in a three-place grid penalty for the Finn.
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