© Wolfgang Wilhelm for Daimler AG
Former F1 race director Michael Masi breaks his silence for the first time since the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, by issuing a statement on his departure from the FIA.
Yesterday the FIA announced that former Formula 1 race director Michael Masi has decided to leave the organisation.
Masi has not been heard from since the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he blatantly disregarded the rules and protocols that govern the use of the Safety Car, which basically gifted Max Verstappen the race win and the 2021 title.
He was subsequently removed from his position as race director, and later the FIA admitted that he had made a “human error” in Abu Dhabi.
All throughout this Masi has not been heard from in public. Well, now after his departure has been announced, he issued a statement thanking everyone who has helped him in his FIA journey, especially in the “last few months”.
“It has been a pleasure and honour representing the FIA as the single-seater sporting director and FIA Formula 1 race director and safety delegate since Charlie’s unexpected and tragic passing in Melbourne 2019,” Masi said.
“Having worked on various projects around the world with the Federation and its member clubs for over a decade prior to my appointment, I have now decided to leave the organisation and relocate back to Australia to be closer to my family and friends.
“I am proud to have worked in partnership for many years with the various FIA member clubs, Formula 1 Group, the competitors, promoters and circuit operators and my colleagues and team internally at the FIA.
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“I will always treasure these lifelong relationships and friendships that I have developed throughout my journey to date.
“In particular, I am eternally grateful to Herbie Blash and the late Charlie Whiting for identifying me as a future successor in 2018, a role that I was looking forward to shadowing and learning from Charlie for many years prior to his shock passing.
“I also pass on my sincere appreciation for the support and guidance during my tenure of the former FIA president Jean Todt, Stefano Domenicali, and my dedicated FIA Single Seater team.
“I extend my appreciation to the tens of thousands of dedicated volunteers and officials that allow motorsport to happen each and every day around the world, as the safety of the competitors and officials has always remained my highest priority.
“Thank you to the FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem and his presidential team for their personal support since their appointment and I wish them the best for the future.
“The personal support of my family, friends, and colleagues globally during this journey and particularly in the last few months can only be described as overwhelming and something that I will forever cherish,” the Australian concluded.
