Michael Masi, the former F1 race director who was at the centre of last season’s world title deciding controversy, has quit the FIA
“The FIA confirms that Michael Masi has decided to leave the FIA and relocate to Australia to be closer to his family and take on new challenges,” an FIA statement said.
“[Michael] oversaw a three-year period as FIA Formula One race director and safety delegate following the sudden passing of Charlie Whiting in 2019, carrying out the numerous functions he was tasked with in a professional and dedicated manner. The FIA thanks him for his commitment and wishes him the best for the future.”
Masi was replaced as race director after he broke the rules when he allowed a number of drivers between Hamilton and Verstappen to unlap themselves following a late safety car period in Abu Dhabi. Red Bull’s Verstappen, who was on fresher tyres, passed Hamilton to take the drivers’ title on the final lap.
Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich have both attracted criticism since taking over as F1 race directors.After reviewing the incident, the FIA said Masi “acted in good faith and to the best of his knowledge” but conceded he performed a “human error”. Hamilton’s Mercedes team lodged an appeal against the result, which was dropped amid reports of an agreement that Masi would be removed – an accusation that Mercedes have strenuously denied.
Before his sacking, Masi received the backing of a number of drivers – including the four-time world champion, Sebastian Vettel, and the British McLaren driver Lando Norris. Verstappen later accused the FIA of “throwing Masi under the bus” after he was stood down.
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