MICHAEL MASI has left the FIA to move back to Australia to spend more time with his family.
The experienced Formula One official has been under scrutiny since his blundering in-race safety car call at last season’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which effectively decided who won the Drivers’ Championship.
Michael Masi has been under pressure at the FIA since his controversial call as race director at last season’s title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
His blunder allowed Max Verstappen to overtake Lewis Hamilton and win the F1 title
His call allowed Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to take advantage of his fresh tyres to pip Mercedes legend Lewis Hamilton to glory on the last lap of the last race of the campaign.
It prompted an investigation which found Masi – in his then-role as race director – to have failed to follow the rules.
It also resulted in the Aussie being axed as F1’s race director in February.
Now the saga has reached what looks like a final chapter – for Masi in any event – with confirmation he has left the sport’s governing body.
An FIA statement says: “Michael Masi has decided to leave the FIA and relocate to Australia to be closer to his family and take on new challenges.
“He oversaw a three-year period as FIA Formula One Race Director and Safety Delegate following the sudden passing of Charlie Whiting in 2019.
“He carried out the numerous functions he was tasked with in a professional and dedicated manner.
“The FIA thanks him for his commitment and wishes him the best for the future.”
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Sydney-born Masi’s duties as race director included overseeing the logistics of F1 weekends, ensuring all cars, tracks, and drivers confirmed to FIA regulations.
But his decision in Abu Dhabi prompted a new structure with multiple race directors being supported by video referees who can review decisions mid-race.
