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Helmut Marko has claimed that Lewis Hamilton is partly to be blamed for the sacking of former FIA Race Director Michael Masi.
Mercedes superstar Lewis Hamilton lost the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship to Max Verstappen in the most dramatic of circumstances last year. The Briton had been overtaken by the Dutchman on the final lap of the final race after a controversial call by former FIA Race Director Michael Masi.
Masi later was removed from his role as FIA Race Director after severe backlash for his call over a safety car. But Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has suggested that Hamilton may have played a role in the eventual sacking of the Australian.
Marko claimed that Hamilton’s reaction to losing the title may have been partly why the Mercedes driver was responsible for Masi losing his job. The seven-time world champion had maintained a prolonged period of silence on the events of Abu Dhabi.
Hamilton’s silence over the winter break also led to rumours that he may quit F1 despite his contract with Mercedes running until 2023. And Marko feels like that somehow played a role in Masi being axed.
While speaking to RTL, Marko touched upon the events of the Abu Dhabi GP last year. However, he then went on to aim a sly dig at Lewis Hamilton.
The 78-year-old senior figure at Red Bull said, “By that silence, he (Hamilton) only wanted to show his dissatisfaction with the situation and the decisions. Part of that behaviour subsequently also led to Masi being removed from his role.”
He further added, “I don’t think it’s right. You have to look at his performances over the years. If Masi had everything they are going to enter now at his disposal, it would have been easier for him to decide, a video referee and an advisor by his side. Michael is now being sacrificed for that.”
Marko also concluded by stating that he knew Hamilton won’t quit F1. The Austrian explained that if Hamilton was on the verge of retiring, Mercedes would have been desperate and eager to look out for a suitable replacement.
