© Steve Etherington for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
Former Formula 1 driver Stefan Johansson says Michael Masi’s removal received “mixed feelings in the F1 paddock” because of some people’s “personal relationship” with him.
There has been a lot of reactions coming from the Formula 1 paddock since the FIA decided to remove Michael Masi from the position of race director, because of his controversial decisions at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
While many agree his position was untenable, some are still defending the Australian, most notably Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Max Verstappen.
It’s not really surprising considering the fact that Masi’s blatant disregard for the rules basically handed Verstappen the 2021 title on a silver platter.
In his latest blog, former F1 driver Stefan Johansson says he agrees with the FIA’s decision and adds the reactions of some people in the paddock depend on their “personal relationship” with Masi.
“I’m glad they did it,” Johansson said.
“There seems to be mixed feelings in the F1 paddock, but I have the feeling that comes down more to what personal relationship some people had with him, rather than looking objectively at the job he did since he took on the role.
“It’s a firm reaction and I think it’s the right thing to do. I think it’s a positive sign from the new FIA leadership that they’re not afraid to make difficult decisions where they need to be made.”
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Taking into consideration that fact that Verstappen recently admitted he sent “a text” to Masi after his removal, while Horner said he “had an exchange” with him “to wish him well”, it really does seem there are personal relationships involved.
Regarding Masi’s replacements, WEC race director Eduardo Freitas and former DTM race director Niels Wittich, Johansson says he has only positive experiences with Freitas.
“I haven’t had any experience with Wittich but I’ve done countless races with Freitas and he’s very good. I can’t really recall any controversy over any of his decisions.
“He’s very clear in the driver’s briefings, as a driver you have a very clear understanding what you can and can’t do before the races start. He gets the job done and I think he’s a very good choice.
“Hopefully that will change a lot of things in how the race direction works. And maybe it will also change the way the tracks are.
“I still can’t wrap my head around how the track in Saudi Arabia ever got the go-ahead for example. It’s one of the fastest tracks on the calendar and it’s basically a street-circuit with a countless number of blind corners.
“It makes no sense, especially when you start with a clean sheet,” the Swede concluded.
