It was announced yesterday that Michael Masi has decided to leave the FIA.
The former Formula 1 race director is well-known for last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix controversy.
Masi allowed lapped cars to pass a late-race safety car, giving Max Verstappen the means to overtake Lewis Hamilton for the championship win on the final lap.
Following the 2021 season, the race director role was given to Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich who now operate on a rotational basis throughout 2022.
Masi served as Formula 1’s race director for three years following the death of Charlie Whiting in 2019.
The FIA released a statement saying, “Michael Masi has decided to leave the FIA and relocate to Australia to be closer to his family and take on new challenges,”
“He oversaw a three-year period as FIA Formula 1 Race Director and Safety Delegate following the sudden passing of Charlie Whiting in 2019, carrying out the numerous functions he was tasked with in a professional and dedicated manner.
“The FIA thanks him for his commitment and wishes him the best for the future.”