With the conclusion of the 2023 season, it’s now been two years since the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP debacle. One decision by one man, later laminated as “human error,” changed the course of F1 history and almost pushed Lewis Hamilton toward retirement. However, the Brit recovered from this massive heartbreak, but his team’s boss, Toto Wolff, hasn’t.

As recently as the 2023 Brazilian GP, the Austrian was asked about the scars left by the outcome of the 2021 championship. The comments Wolff made to Motorsport in his exclusive will highlight how deeply the events of Yas Marina affected the Mercedes boss.

Michael Masi may be Toto Wolff’s biggest enemy

During this interview in Brazil, the Mercedes boss lashed out at Michael Masi and indulged in some name-calling. It came to a point where the Mercedes communications director Bradley Lord had to interrupt the Austrian to calm the tone of the conversation. Despite the interruption, Wolff went ahead and spoke freely about Masi and ended the conversation with the “idiot” label.

“[There were] brutal scars! Incredible scars and we will never get over them, in a way,” responded Toto Wolff. “They became scars, and there are moments when you think, ‘How could that happen? We know how it happened.” [Translated by Google]

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“But I don’t want to waste a minute [thinking] about the reasons [why it happened] because that would give the guy (Masi) too much credit. He’s just an idiot who made the wrong decision,” the Austrian concluded.

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Two years on, and just the mention of the incidents of the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP gets the Austrian fired up. Imagine if he sees him in person. In fact, he just might have to. At least based on the recent statement by the FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Michael Masi could make a return to F1, much to Lewis Hamilton & Co.’s annoyance

Mohammed Ben Sulayem was appointed after the entire 2021 debacle. The first order of business for the new president was to hand the controversial race director his marching orders. However, Wolff’s recent outburst might come back to bite him with Ben Sulayem’s recent comments after the season’s conclusion, opening doors for Masi’s return.

He said, “I always apologize, but I cannot apologize for something which was done before my time. Okay, I will [make] the apology, but I will bring Michael Masi again. Do you think that is right?”

He added, “The poor guy is a person who has been attacked and abused. Michael Masi went through hell. Hell! And if I see there is an opportunity that the FIA needs and Michael Masi is the right person, I will bring him.” 

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Imagine a world where Toto Wolff and Michael Masi have to converse on a daily basis and work together again. We can only imagine a screaming match, and we’re here for it.