Michael Masi’s time as Formula One race director is over, but drivers like Lance Stroll continue to resent him for the Abu Dhabi final
The 2021 Formula One finale in Abu Dhabi and its aftermath have continued to preoccupy the premier class paddock even as the 2022 test season kicks off. Only ten days ago, the FIA announced the departure of race director Michael Masi.
He will now be replaced by Eduardo Freitas, ex-race director of the WEC, and Niels Wittich, who held this position in the DTM. This duo, together with consultant Herbie Blash and the newly introduced video referee, are to ensure more consistency.
“I don’t know the new race directors. You know, I appreciate everything Michael has done. I think he’s always tried to make the sport, the tracks and everything as good as possible and make the decisions as consistent as possible,” said Lance Stroll.
Despite this, he still resents Masi’s behaviour and decisions at the final: “Unfortunately, I think what happened in Abu Dhabi was just wrong. We can’t change the rules in the middle of the race and adjust them depending on the situation. Things have to be very clear. Decisions have to be made the way the rules say. “
Carlos Sainz agrees with Lance Stroll
Nevertheless, Stroll feels it is a “shame” that Masi has to vacate his post. The Aston Martin driver is echoed by fellow Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz. “What happened in Abu Dhabi was not good,” the Spaniard clarifies.
Masi’s decision affected him in that, at the restart for the final lap of the race, there were a number of lapped cars between him and Max Verstappen, who was still in second place at the time. Sainz therefore reiterated, “I said very clearly that Formula One must not make the same mistake again.”
On the changes to personnel and organisational structure, Sainz says: “The FIA has decided to go this way and this direction and we have to trust the process or their analysis to see if the sport is better governed from now on. “
At the finale in Abu Dhabi, a safety car period occurred in the closing stages after Nicholas Latifi went off the track. After initial hesitation by Masi, only those lapped cars that were between Verstappen and leader Lewis Hamilton were allowed to lap back. The Mercedes racing team lodged a protest against this decision after the race, but it was dismissed shortly afterwards.
