‘MERCEDES WILL BE FURIOUS’: AUSSIE MICHAEL MASI SACKED AFTER F1 TITLE STORM
0‘Mercedes will be furious’: Aussie Michael Masi sacked after F1 title storm
Michael Masi has been removed as Formula One race director over his management of the season ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year which led to Max Verstappen being controversially crowned world champion. Masi was heavily criticised for the sequence of events that led to Verstappen passing Lewis Hamilton to deprive the Briton of a record eighth title. “Michael Masi. who accomplished a very challenging job for three years as Formula 1 race director following Charlie Whiting. will be offered a new position within the FIA.” read a statement by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas will act alternatively as Race Director. assisted by Herbie Blash (formerly deputy under Whiting) as permanent senior advisor.” Masi’s removal which comes just three years since he was appointed following the death of Whiting prior to the 2019 campaign elicited sympathy for the Australian official from Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc. “I have a lot of respect for Michael for what he has done.” said Leclerc at the launch of his car for the 2022 season on Thursday. “He had a difficult job. especially in Abu Dhabi. “Whatever happened it was always going to be controversial. But the FIA has made a decision. has a lot more info and I fully trust it is the right decision.” MORE FORMULA 1 NEWS Ricciardo reveals ‘shock’ at F1 drama he ‘never’ thought would happen again Why brutal snub isn’t the worst thing for Aussie As Sky Sports News reporter Craig Slater explained on Friday morning. the timing of the announcement is particularly intriguing. “It is not unexpected news. it’s exactly what we predicted and the timing is significant from a Mercedes perspective.” he said. “We reported all year that Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes were waiting on the FIA’s investigation findings to see if Lewis would continue in F1. Well this comes just in advance of Mercedes’ launch for 2022 on Friday. at which Hamilton will be present. “Now that the FIA have announced something concrete. this represents the kind of self assessment. self criticism and admission even if it isn’t explicitly stated that some mistakes were made in Abu Dhabi. which ought to pacify Hamilton and at least give Mercedes some confidence going forward that Formula 1 will be trying to operate to the very highest standards in terms of following clear. concise and predictable rules.” Slater went on to add that Masi’s position was viewed as “untenable” after the drama lingering from last year’s season finale. Elsewhere. Sulayem also announced that measures will be introduced to ease the pressure on the race director. “Firstly. to assist the race director in the decision making process. a Virtual Race Control Room will be created. Alike the Video Assistance Referee (VAR) in football. it will be positioned in one of the FIA offices as a backup outside the circuit.” said Sulayem. “In real time connection with the FIA F1 race director. it will help to apply the sporting regulations using the most modern technological tools.” Sulayem said the mode of communicating with the race director would be different from now on. “Direct radio communications during the race. currently broadcast live by all TVs. will be removed in order to protect the race director from any pressure and allow him to take decisions peacefully. “It will still be possible to ask questions to the race director. according to a well defined and non intrusive process.” Masi had been heavily panned after calling in the safety car for the final lap. then controversially allowing the backmarkers between race leader Hamilton and Verstappen to unlap themselves. That led to a one lap shoot out between Hamilton and Verstappen. who with fresh tyres had a huge advantage and he exploited it to stunning effect when he picked Hamilton off to seal the title. Sulayem said that these rules regarding unlapping would be addressed. “Unlapping procedures behind...
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