Toto Wolff raises new accusations against Michael Masi and his “bromance” with Red Bull’s Jonathan Wheatley – He never wants to exchange a word with Masi again
Everything seemed to have been said about the controversial 2021 Formula One season finale in Abu Dhabi, but now new, serious allegations have surfaced from Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff in the direction of ousted ex-racing director Michael Masi.
These were made in the context of a new ‘Sky’ documentary called “Duel: Hamilton vs Verstappen”, which focuses on the championship-deciding race in Abu Dhabi. There, Masi’s decisions in the final laps of the race had helped Max Verstappen beat Lewis Hamilton to win his first Formula 1 title.
“His decisions were wrong and I am sure he regrets them,” Wolff says in it about Masi, calling him a “victim” of circumstances. “The FIA should have realised much earlier that there was a problem. There was a structural problem. It was a problem of personalities,” the Mercedes motorsport boss said.
Wolff: Masi “bromance” with Red Bull’s Wheatley
In particular, he takes aim not only at Masi but also Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, describing the latter’s relationship with Masi as a “bromance” which has helped Red Bull in their World Championship battle. “Jonathan Wheatley has done his job. He bent Michael Masi – not only in Abu Dhabi, but even before. Max certainly owes him a lot.
Wheatley had already negotiated with Masi over Max Verstappen’s grid position at the penultimate race in Saudi Arabia, which team boss Christian Horner likened to a “bargain at the bazaar”, and he also argued to the race director at the Abu Dhabi finale.
In fairness, however, it must also be noted that Wolff was also lobbying for Hamilton in Abu Dhabi and wanted to prevent a late race clearance.
Never speak to Masi again
Masi sent the lapped cars past between Hamilton and Verstappen, who was on fresh soft tyres, and gave the race another go for a lap – both decisions not literally provided for by the regulations in that way.
“It’s like a football match where it’s 1-0 to one team and suddenly the referee says whoever scores the next goal wins,” Wolff said. “And by the way, we have to play without shoes. “
Hamilton lost the title in the last round to Verstappen, for whom Wolff himself shows some pity: “He deserves the world championship, but everyone only talks about Abu Dhabi,” says the Austrian.
Regarding Masi, however, he has only one thing to say: “I haven’t spoken to him and I never want to speak to him again. “
