Michael Masi replaced as race director after Abu Dhabi Grand Prix controversy as part of Formula 1 restructure
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Updated 17/02/2022 at 22:53 GMT
Michael Masi controversially ordered cars between title rivals Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton to unlap themselves at the season-ending 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, allowing Verstappen to pass the Mercedes driver and claim his first Drivers' Championship. The Australian, who had served in the role since 2019, will be replaced by Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas.
FIA president announces that Michael Masi has been removed as F1 race director
The FIA have confirmed that Michael Masi has been removed from the role of Formula 1 race director.
Australian Masi, 44, had been under huge scrutiny since his controversial handling of the final race of the 2021 F1 season in Abu Dhabi which culminated in Max Verstappen taking the title from Lewis Hamilton.
The decision from new FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem follows a meeting in London on Monday between the FIA and F1 teams.
Masi is set to be replaced by Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas, who will alternate in the role.
The 44-year-old had served in the role since 2019, stepping up after the passing of veteran Charlie Whiting before the Australian Grand Prix.
According to ben Sulayem, he will be offered a new role within the FIA.
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Verstappen beats Hamilton on final lap of 2021 to win maiden F1 title
Masi failed to correctly apply the F1 rules when allowing cars between the title rivals to unlap themselves, allowing Verstappen, on fresher tyres, the opportunity to pass Hamilton and snatch his maiden Drivers' Championship.
He had been pressured by both Mercedes and Red Bull during the events at the Yas Marina Circuit on race radio.
As part of wider changes, direct communication between the teams and the race director will now no longer be permitted, while the FIA will also add a remote race control, similar to football's video assistant referee.
"With this plan, FIA opens the way for a new step forward in Formula 1 refereeing. Without the referees, there is no sport," he said.
"Respect and support of the referees is in the essence of the FIA. That is why these structural changes are crucial in a context of strong development and the legitimate expectations of drivers, teams, manufacturers, organisers, and of course, the fans.
"These changes will enable us to start the 2022 Formula 1 season in the best conditions, and our sport will be even more loved and respected."
Freitas and Wittich will be guided by Herbie Blash, the veteran deputy race director under Whiting who stepped down at the end of the 2016 season.
Freitas previously operated as race director for the World Endurance Championship, while Wittich arrives from the DTM German Touring Car Championship.
The FIA has said that it will release the report into events in the United Arab Emirates at the first Grand Prix of the season, which will be held in Bahrain.
Race day at the Sakhir circuit is Sunday 20 March.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton had been said to be weighing up his future in the sport after being left "disillusioned" by the end to the 2021 season.
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‘It has been the weirdest season’ - Button feels Hamilton and Verstappen both deserved title
Reports suggested that Hamilton was waiting for the conclusions of the FIA investigation before committing to a return to the grid, but Mercedes have hinted that the 37-year-old will be part of their lineup alongside new recruit and compatriot George Russell.
Hamilton needs one more Drivers' Championship to pass Michael Schumacher and become the most successful driver of all-time.
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