The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has replaced Formula 1 racing director Michael Masi.
The implementation of a corresponding proposal by the new FIA President Mohmmed Ben Sulayem is considered a formality.
The FIA had previously investigated Masi's decisions at the Abu Dhabi season finale.
Shortly before the end of the Grand Prix, the Australian had ended a safety car phase too early from the Mercedes point of view, paving the way for Max Verstappen (Red Bull) to past the leading Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) to his first world title.
Masi responded to severe criticism from Mercedes by pointing out his rights as race director and the fundamental interest of all racing teams in not wanting to end the Grand Prix as a procession behind a security vehicle.
Masi's role as race director is now shared between Germany's Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas from Portugal.
In addition, there will be a kind of "Cologne cellar" based on the example of football, with experts who will help with the correct application of the rules "with the help of the most modern".
In addition, direct radio communications between race control and the teams are regulated.
Last season, the teams put pressure on Masi several times during the races with demands.