After a lengthy investigation into how the events which took place in the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix were managed, the FIA made its first controversial decision of the year. In short, Michael Masi has been fired from his job as Formula 1’s race director due to his controversial choices at the final Grand Prix of 2021.
At the Yas Marina circuit, F1 race director Michael Masi selectively implemented the rules to ensure a one-lap restart, which gave Max Verstappen the opportunity to overtake his title rival on the last lap and secure the Formula 1 world title.
A Virtual Race Control Room will be created to assist the race director with decision-making. This room will essentially consist of several backup referees outside any given circuit
Some of the changes had been presented to teams a few days ago at a meeting of the F1 Commission, and the plan has been supported by Scuderia Ferrari team. Carlos Sainz hopes that Michael Masi will be given the chance to continue in a senior position at the FIA, as for the moment his future has not been confirmed.
“I personally would like to wish Michael all the best in his new role,” said the Spaniard – “I’m sure he will be given a lot of responsibilities because we, as drivers, and for me at least I trust him in whatever he’s done lately and he’s done for the benefit of Formula 1. I also welcome the new race directors and I’m sure they will have a very difficult task to complete. We saw the last few years in F1, it is a very difficult role, especially filling in the shoes of the late Charlie [Whiting], you know, that we all definitely miss. But we also accept that this role needs to be done properly. It needs to be done and supported, like the FIA is planning. So I actually like what I see on the ideas from the FIA. Hopefully we can keep improving as a sport and the ruling of the sport can keep improving to give more clarity to all the F1 drivers, but also for the fans and teams.” – he explained.
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Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto admitted the fact that the Abu Dhabi investigation had taken so long showed how complicated the situation was for the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile:
“What happened in Abu Dhabi has been over-discussed, and over-analysed for months and weeks. I think the fact that it took so long is showing as well the complexity of the matter. Honestly, I think we can only improve. And if there is any lesson learned, I think that changes were required and decided for. We will support it. I think what is important, and that is really what I’m looking for, is full independence of the FIA in the decisions. I think that’s the way it has to be in the decisions and the way that they’re structuring themselves. I think that in order to have full independence, you need trust and as Ferrari we fully trust them.” – the Ferrari boss added.
Charles Leclerc said that the call to fire Michael Masi must have been made on good grounds by the FIA:
“I have a lot of respect for Michael and for everything he has done,” he said. “He’s been in a particularly difficult seat for the past years, and especially in Abu Dhabi obviously. With an end like this, it was always going to be controversial. But the FIA has made a decision and it has a lot more information than I do here. So I fully trust that this is the right decision, and we’ll go forward with this.” – the Monegasque driver concluded.
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