At the heart of the debates during the final race last season, in Abu Dhabi, Michael Masi was ousted on Thursday. Two new race directors replace him.
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The last race of the season cost him dearly. Race director Michael Masi has been removed from his post after his controversial decisions which allowed the coronation of Max Verstappen at the last Formula 1 Grand Prix last year, in Abu Dhabi, announced Thursday February 17 the International Federation of automobile industry (FIA) via its new president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “Michael Masi, who has carried out a complex task for three seasons, will be offered new assignments within the FIA”he commented.
BREAKING: FIA confirms Michael Masi has been removed from his position as race director. pic.twitter.com/F5s1dFULFk
—ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) February 17, 2022
The Australian’s decision to restart, on the last lap, a race then neutralized behind a safety car had offered the Dutchman Max Vertappen (Red Bull) the opportunity to overtake Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) to afford his first title of world champion. He had strongly denounced this decision.
The 44-year-old had been in charge since the start of the 2019 season when he was inducted at the last minute after the unexpected death of Charlie Whiting, his predecessor. He will be replaced by two race directors: Eduardo Freitas, who held the same position in WEC (Endurance) and Niels Wittich, his counterpart in DTM.