Michael Masi has come under scrutiny for his actions at the Abu Dhabi GP. It has led to petitions, heavy criticism, and the general call for change. Mercedes had been a strong advocate for the latter. Assuming the wheels are set in motion, who could replace Masi were he to leave?
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In a recent FIA document, they charted out the organizational structure of the 2022 season. Under the title for Secretary of Sports, Masi’s name is no longer where it should be. Although Mercedes had asked for such a change, their statement had also included, “It’s not only a decision to change the race director; the whole system of decision-making needs to be improved.”
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 12, 2021 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton looks dejected after finishing second in the race and the world championship Pool via REUTERS/Kamran Jebreili
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff had charged Masi with “a freestyle reading of the rules and it left Lewis like a sitting duck. Robbing him in the last lap of the race is unacceptable.”
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Thus, if the FIA keels to the demands of Mercedes, an eight-time championship-winning team and a big name in the sport, maybe Masi will be shown the door soon.
Who can be a suitable successor for Michael Masi?
The only thing that could be holding the FIA back from dismissing Michael Masi is that he has no one to replace him. There have been no speculations or rumors as to who could take this seat from the Australian.
However, the only clue towards such a replacement is Peter Bayer. Bayer currently finds himself in Masi’s place in the organizational chart, thus being the only person in the discussions for the seat. This should be confirmation enough, but there have been no statements from either party.
As spotted by @ATRacingLine
The FIA organisational structure from October seems to have been updated and there’s a certain Michael Masi missing from the latest one 🤔 pic.twitter.com/IWns3qmhK9
— Engine 11 Position 5 (@EngineMode11) January 12, 2022
Bayer is a popular name in the organization. The Austrian has been the secretary-general for motorsports for many years. Thus, he may also have a knack for the position he might inherit.
As we wait for the dust to settle on what has been a tumultuous off-season for the sport, the FIA’s decision surrounding Michael Masi and the Abu Dhabi GP will also reflect crucially on Lewis Hamilton’s decision surrounding his career.
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