F1 abu dhabi grand prix

Almost a year on from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and tremors are still being felt following arguably the most controversial result in Formula 1 history. Michael Masi oversaw his last event as F1 race director at Yas Marina Circuit, where it was his decisions that led to Max Verstappen claiming his first world championship. It's now been claimed Masi signed a non-disclosure agreement with the FIA to never discuss the race, which many fans have interpreted as further evidence that Lewis Hamilton was dealt a major injustice in the 2021 title decider. Australia's Daily Telegraph reported on the NDA as part of a new interview with Masi, who was sacked as race director on the eve of the 2022 campaign. Motorsport's governing body has been criticised for its failure to properly address the 'Decider in the Desert', and these latest developments have given fans fresh ammunition. "Masi signing an NDA makes perfect sense, and also reinforces the claim that F1 journalists were … [Read more...] about F1 fans suspicious after Michael Masi ‘signed NDA’ with FIA over Abu Dhabi GP fiasco

The F1 career of former race director Michael Masi may not yet be over if FIA President Mohammed ben Sulayem's comments are anything to go by. Masi, 44, took over the role in 2019 following the sudden death of Charlie Whiting. He was still in post for the dramatic 2021 title decider in Abu Dhabi, when he suddenly became one of the most divisive figures in the sport. Masi came in for a siege of criticism for altering his initial safety car instructions to drivers during the final laps at the Yas Marina. The Australian, under pressure from Red Bull boss Christian Horner , fast-tracked matters in order to ensure one final lap of racing. It gifted Max Verstappen the chance to overtake Lewis Hamilton and take the chequered flag, crowning him world champion in sensational fashion . Mercedes promptly launched two separate protests into what transpired, but both were dismissed by a panel of race stewards. Toto Wolff and co then immediately launched notice of intent to … [Read more...] about F1 supremo hints at handing Michael Masi lifeline despite Abu Dhabi debacle

Sebastian Vettel believes Formula 1 would be a lot better off this season if Michael Masi was still race director. The Australian was axed from the role in the off season after being blamed for mishandling the final stages of last season's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Max Verstappen won his maiden F1 title in controversial circumstances, with Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton left feeling like they had been robbed. They were happy to see the back of Masi when the FIA announced he had been moved to a different role, and Toto Wolff said it was "very encouraging" to see the sport's governing body take action. But not everyone was so thrilled to see the back of Masi. Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich now share the role, and can rely on the guidance of Herbie Blash who has returned as an adviser having previously worked with Masi's predecessor Charlie Whiting. But Vettel still believes that team is missing the know-how which the ousted Australian brought to the table. "What we are … [Read more...] about Sebastian Vettel claims F1 is ‘missing’ axed Michael Masi who did ‘really well’