MICHAEL MASI has signed a non-disclosure agreement with the FIA to ban him from talking about the Abu Dhabi controversy, according to reports.
The Australian, 44, was the Formula One race director until the beginning of this year.
Michael Masi was axed as F1 race director after his handling of the 2021 season finale
Max Vertappen pipped Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the 2021 season
But he was sacked from the post in February after his handling of the 2021 title decider in December.
Masi allowed five cars to unlap themselves after the safety car which enabled Max Verstappen, on fresh tyres, to overtake Lewis Hamilton on the last lap and claim his first world title – prompting a furious appeal by Mercedes.
His ‘human error’ resulted in the rules being changed for the 2022 season while team bosses are now not permitted to speak to the new team of race directors during F1 Grand Prix.
And the fact Masi signed an NDA preventing him from discussing the mess raises further suspicion fans still hold over the chain of events in the Emirati desert.
The Sydney resident received death threats and abhorrent abuse.
And he revealed in hindsight he should have spoken to a counsellor after the ordeal.
Masi, who quit the FIA altogether in July, told the Daily Telegraph in Australia: “It took me a while to process it all.
“But at the end of the day I thought it was best for me to come back home and be close to my support network.
“I didn’t go and talk to a professional. With the benefit of hindsight, I probably should have. I should have gone and spoken to someone in a professional sense.
“But in saying that, I had some amazing people around me that could see it and were checking in daily. I was super fortunate to have that support network.”
Masi added: “The whole experience has made me a much stronger person.
“I have just had the longest break in my professional career and I have used the time to reconnect with family and friends.
“I have also done all that self-maintenance which you can neglect when you are in the grind.
“I have a number of exciting options going forward. I am considering a number of different projects, both domestic and globally.
“My intention is to base myself out of Australia and to use all the skills I have gained in what has been an incredible journey so far and one I am extremely proud and thankful for.”
Verstappen was crowned world champion and looks on course to defend his title
