The FIA has introduced significant changes to its engineering structure in the single-seater department, with direct implications for the upcoming Formula 1 season. Tim Malyon, formerly an engineer at Red Bull, has been appointed as the new sporting director for the single-seater department, marking a pivotal role in the future of Formula 1, the FIA’s most popular single-seater motorsport. Malyon, a Canadian-born engineer, joined the FIA in September 2019 as the head of research and later assumed the position of safety director in March 2021.
In his new role, Malyon will report to Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA’s single-seater director. Niels Wittich will continue as the race director, succeeding Michael Masi in February 2022. Masi faced criticism for mishandling safety car rules during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December 2021, leading to Max Verstappen winning the championship.
Steve Nielsen, Malyon’s predecessor, is set to leave the FIA at the end of the month, while the federation’s technical director, Tim Goss, is also departing.
Tim Malyon, who brings extensive experience from his time as an engineer at Red Bull and Sauber, expressed his enthusiasm for the new role. Having held positions such as head of track engineering at Sauber and chief engineer at BMW, Malyon joined the FIA after a successful career in the UK. He expressed his delight in becoming the sporting director, emphasizing the significant changes already implemented in race direction with the support of the Race Operations Control (ROC).
Nikolas Tombazis welcomed Malyon to the role, praising his wealth of motorsport experience. Tombazis highlighted Malyon’s pivotal role in enhancing synergies between Race Control and the ROC, introducing new technologies like artificial intelligence and advanced data analysis systems. Malyon is expected to lead further innovations in these areas while spearheading the evolution of FIA sporting regulations. Tombazis also acknowledged Nielsen’s contributions and expressed disappointment over Goss’s departure, recognizing his caliber within the organization.