In light of the controversial decisions towards the end of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the FIA has removed Michael Masi from his role as Formula 1 race director. This confirmation comes after a long investigation in which pressure was mounting on FIA to ‘make a decision’ as the 2022 season nears its beginning.
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Along with removing Masi, FIA has also decided to change the structure of the race director position itself.
According to a report in Autosport, “The FIA will alternate between using WEC race director Eduardo Freitas and former DTM race director Niels Wittich.”
“As well as changing race director, the FIA is to introduce a new virtual race control system, as well as ban direct team communications to the race director.”
BREAKING: FIA confirms Michael Masi has been removed from his position as race director. pic.twitter.com/F5s1dFULFk
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) February 17, 2022
Former F1 champion defends Michael Masi
Former F1 champion Jenson Button recently addressed the Michael Masi controversy. According to the former McLaren driver, Masi isn’t the only one who should be blamed.
Button believes the race director, who was criticized for ‘taking orders’ from the Red Bull pit wall, was also listening to messages from other teams as well.
“Every team speaks to Michael Masi and puts their point across, they always do,” Button said.
He then criticized how team principals use the radio messages to pressurize and influence the race director, how “that needs to be changed.”
“Maybe they shouldn’t have their opinions voiced to Masi and maybe that’s a way forward so Masi can make the decision on his own,” he continued. “I think after the race the teams can go and talk to Masi but during the race, I think it’s wrong. There’s so much emotion coming from the teams.”
Irrespective of the right or wrong factor of his actions, FIA’s decision to remove Michael Masi should come as a relief for the sport. Because had they carried on with him for the coming season, the backlash and the bitterness from the previous season would’ve superseded and carried forward into the new one.
And FIA or F1 wouldn’t want that.
Especially now that the sport is heading into a new era, a clean slate is what everyone wants.
Also Read: FIA Investigations Reveal Major Differences in 2022 F1 Cars Despite New Regulations
