The man who won his first title in a last-lap showdown in 2008 stealing the 20-second happiness from Felipe Massa got served on his final lap in 2021. Lewis Hamilton was aiming for his eighth title when an unusual call from the steward’s room changed the course of history, bestowing Max Verstappen with his first championship. The man who called the shots then seems to have returned to the circus after a season-long exile. All eyes are now on Hamilton.

Michael Masi was ousted post the controversial safety car decision where Max Verstappen on fresher tire claimed the title as only the cars between Lewis and Max were allowed to lap. Masi is now the Independent Chair of the Supercars Commission, which will be one of the support races organized at Albert Park. Though Hamilton could have been affected by the man’s presence at the paddock, the 7x champion kept a nonchalant exterior. While the last words from the Mercedes clan in Abu Dhabi 2021 were pretty dramatic, with Toto Wolff screaming at the top of his voice and throwing his headphones angrily, the team’s champion has taken the higher road.

As quoted by The Telegraph, when asked if he plans to confront the man or have a word with him, keeping a straight face, the Mercedes man answered, “I don’t. I am just focused on my future. I am focused on trying to get back to winning.” 

And he concluded, saying, “There is nothing to say.”

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With the ghosts of Abu Dhabi’s past standing resurrected in Australia, another haunting development awaits the Briton.

Max Verstappen aims at claiming another Lewis Hamilton-dominated territory

What began in Abu Dhabi manifested many folds in the coming months with Max Verstappen becoming a two-time champion of the world dominating the sport. However, in trying to trump all of Lewis’ records, his fate has not been kind when it comes to the land down under as the man hasn’t won a single race there. However, the confident Red Bull man looks forward to overturning the fortunes.

Citing the history, Verstappen said in an interview with motorsport.com, “I’m looking forward to going back to Australia. It’s always nice to be there and experience Melbourne, but this race hasn’t been good for us in recent years. We just need a normal and consistent weekend. As a team, we haven’t won here since 2011, so let’s see what will be possible this time.”

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Do you think Michael Masi’s presence will affect the already struggling Hamilton? Let us know in the comments below.