The storm triggered by the controversial ending of the 2021 F1 season has had another casualty. FIA has announced that Michael Masi, race director between 2019 and 2021, has formally abandoned motorsport’s governing body.

According to the press release by the FIA, the Australian executive has decided to relocate to his country in order to “be closer to his family and take on new challenges”, now completely detached from the sport. The short note also stated that “the FIA thanks him for his commitment and wishes him the best for the future”. 

Michel Massi raised to FIA race director and safety delegate in 2019 following the sudden passing of Charlie Whiting that year. During his mandate, his image became increasingly tarnished due to his inconsistent application of sanctions. However, the mistake that would cost him his job was to take place in the title-deciding and final round of the year, Abu Dhabi GP of 2021. 

During a last lap safety car period at the Yas Marina Circuit, Michael Masi ordered only cars between Max Verstappen & Lewis Hamilton to un-lap themselves. That decision benefited the Dutchman from Red Bull and robbed the Brit from Mercedes a title that he was on course to win. 

The German squad protested vigorously for what they considered a blatant mistake. It was even insinuated that the seven-time champion might retire as a result of the incident. Having lost faith in the sport, only Michael Masi’s head would do to stop Mercedes from taking any further action.  

https://twitter.com/F1/status/1470061591844507649

New president, same problems  

In the middle of the storm, Mohammed ben Sulayem replaced Jean Todt as new FIA President. The Saudi Arabian executive brought new airs to the institution and it soon became clear that Masi’s days in the international body were numbered. 

Sulayem soon announced a battery of changes aimed at avoiding a repeat of what happened in Abu Dhabi. To this effect, a virtual race control  – similar to football’s VAR system – was set up in the FIA’s offices at every circuit.   

At the same time, in-race communications with teams were forbidden, in order to avoid any pressure on the decision-making process. The most surprising measure, and one which is still being questioned, was the splitting of Michael Masi’s old job between two people. From the 2021 pre-season tests in Barcelona onwards, Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich would alternate as race directors.  

Everything remains the same…or worse than with Masi  

Despite all those changes consistency issues are still a problem and if anything, these have got worse. The random dealing of sanctions -specially track limits– has been enraging and confusing drivers from the start of the current season.  

Identical actions have been the subject of penalties in some instances and not in others. Drivers now compete with the impression that rules are not clear. They are also not convinced about the appropriateness of having two different race directors.  

The last Austrian GP provided a good example of the current tensions. During the routine pre-race briefing between the drivers and the FIA executives, Sebastian Vettel became so indignant that stormed out of the room. The four-time champion was fined 20.000 euros as a result of his actions.  

 Image of Michael Masi: F1.