Masi: F1 can't just drop the ball

Having seen the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in March cancelled at the last minute due to the coronavirus, F1 finally returned to the track with three over the past three weeks.

And while there were two confirmed cases after round two, so far no essential personnel have been affected.

Speaking after the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday, Masi was full of praise for the sport's efforts.

“I think as a sport and as an industry, we should be very proud of what we have achieved over these first three events,” he said. “Considering the time that we’ve had collectively between the FIA and together with F1 in developing the return to racing plan, the methods, the protocols, the support from everyone throughout the pit lane, journalists, support categories has been fantastic.

“Yes, it’s been a learning experience for all of us. There’s been minor tweaks along the way. But overall as a process and as a structure I think we’re about there so I’m quite proud of what we’ve done.”

At the same time, Masi acknowledges that with ten races still to go - and more likely to be confirmed - F1's quest to complete a full season amidst the pandemic remains far from over.

“There’s certainly a level of confidence. I think one part which is not to be complacent, is probably the big part, and the fact that we have got through three events with only the two cases, but effectively outside of the paddock.

"One thing that we all need to be conscious of is that Covid-19 is very much around us and everywhere globally.

“We can’t just drop the ball, getting to Silverstone and thinking we’re invincible. My biggest fear is people becoming complacent, and we just need to stick with the process we’ve developed."