FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has opened the door to the possible return of former Formula One race director Michael Masi. Masi, who became a controversial figure after the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, could see his F1 career revived.
Michael Masi’s role as F1 race director came under intense scrutiny following the 2021 World Championship finale in Abu Dhabi, which saw a head-to-head battle between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Masi’s handling of the race, particularly the safety car phase following Nicholas Latifi’s crash, raised many eyebrows.
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Controversy at Abu Dhabi
He made the controversial decision to allow only some of the lapped cars to overtake, leading to a one-lap showdown between Hamilton and Verstappen. Verstappen, on fresher tyres, overtook Hamilton to win the championship.
The decision not to allow all lapped cars to overtake, contrary to normal protocol, led to widespread criticism and debate. Many Hamilton fans believe this decision cost him the championship. Despite calls for the race result to be overturned, the championship was confirmed and Verstappen was declared the winner.
Masi stepped away from the F1 spotlight following the incident, only returning to the paddock in April 2023 for the V8 Supercars Commission.
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FIA President’s stance on Masi’s future
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has spoken out on the issue, acknowledging the severe backlash and personal attacks Masi has faced post-Abu Dhabi 2021. Sulayem, who expressed sympathy, said he would not hesitate to bring Masi back if a suitable role within the FIA arose.
“Michael Masi was insulted and abused. He went through hell. This all happened before I took office, but I will apologize to him and if there is a job at the FIA that he is the right person for, then I will bring him back.” says the President.
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Parallels in other sporting moments
The FIA President likened the controversy to the 1966 World Cup final between England and Germany, where a controversial goal was allowed to stand, leading to England’s victory. Sulayem stressed that while there were calls for intervention, the result stood, drawing parallels with the situation at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
“I also received death threats if I didn’t change the World Cup result because people thought I had the power to do that. But all I can say is: Remember the final between England and Germany in 1966. Was it correct to give England 3-2? No. Was the result corrected later? No. Did Germany win the World Cup? No.”
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The potential for Michael Masi to return to a role within Formula One highlights the ever-evolving landscape of the sport and its governance. While Masi’s future role, if any, remains uncertain, Sulayem’s comments suggest a willingness to reintegrate previously controversial figures by recognising their contribution and experience in the high-pressure environment of Formula One.
Something perhaps lacking in the current setup.
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Stopped watching F1 after he fixed the 21 championship for Red Bull shows how bad things have got under this FIA leader when he allows tis crook to return. I would love to know what he got for fixing it for Horner and Wheatley.
Masi was Whiting’s protege. If you doubted Masi, you doubted Whiting.
When dummy spitting competitors can chase an umpire out of the game you give them the power to intimidate any future umpires.
They should all be made to apologise to Masi on his return.
Absolutely garbage, why we fans (yes I don’t pretend I am not a Hamilton fan) has to apologise. He made a mistake and need to owe that. But all I would say it is the world doesn’t stop there, we all need to move on, it is what it is, it’s done and no going back. Let’s hope for a competitive season next year (although not sure we will get one)
Masi was a genius!!
In AD’21 he was stuck between a rock and a hard place. On one hand there were the rules, on the other hand there was the specific demand from the teams to not have a race finish under yellow.
Under extreme pressure from the teams ánd the clock, he found a way out. The rules were not violated because they did not specifically state that all cars must be released and he could honor the demand from the teams all at once. Genius !
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