Image Credits - Sky Sports
The controversy surrounding Michael Masi’s role in last season’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix doesn’t seem to end. A fresh debate has been sparked by the comments of Mercedes team Principal and CEO, Toto Wolff . Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton’s hopes of winning an eighth championship title were shattered by a controversial decision from Masi last season in Abu Dhabi.
Hamilton went into the final race of last season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix level on points with Max Verstappen. Hamilton and Verstappen were level on 369.5 points with the Red Bull driver ahead thanks to his nine 2021 GP wins compared to Hamilton’s eight. The Mercedes driver was 11 seconds ahead with six laps to go but then things changed drastically. A controversial decision by race director Michael Masi saw Max Verstappen make the most out of it, darting past Hamilton to win the championship.
In an interview, Wolff revealed his harsh take on Masi. “He was a liability for the sport because everybody kept talking about Abu Dhabi and the race director. The race director should not be somebody that people talk about but someone who does the job and makes sure the race is run according to regulations“, said Wolff.
He further added, “You hear from the drivers and how the drivers’ briefings were conducted by Masi and some of the guys said it was almost disrespectful how he treated some of them. He was just immune to any feedback and even today he has not properly reflected that he did something wrong.”
Christian Horner has recently questioned FIA’s sacking of former F1 race director Michael Masi. “Was it right to fire him based on pressure that was placed on him from a rival team? That for me was wrong. That’s tantamount to bullying. It’s passively aggressive” said Horner with fingers clearly pointing towards Red Bull rivals Mercedes. “
In an exclusive interview to the BBC, Horner said, “Yes Michael did make mistakes and it was frustrating but you have to look at the role that he was in and the tools that he had at his disposal. You can’t just place the blame on Michael. It’s unfair to do that.” Horner further added, “The trolling, online abuse and death threats to him and his family are unforgivable. It’s just out and out bullying and has nothing to do with the sport. That’s why I spoke up for Michael because I felt that he did not have any support.”
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