Michael Masi open to discussion with Hamilton
In an interview with the Daily Mail, the former race director expressed being "open" to discussing with Lewis Hamilton following the scenario of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2021.
We hadn’t seen him for two years until 2021. Back in the paddock for the Australian Grand Prix, former race director Michael Masi spoke out for the first time about the scenario of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2021 that deprived Lewis Hamilton of an eighth world championship in the final laps. The Australian said he was “open” to discussing it with the British driver.
During the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021, Lewis Hamilton was deprived of an eighth world title on the last lap. After Nicholas Latifi’s crash, Michael Masi restarted the race on the last lap, allowing Max Verstappen to change to fresh tires in the meantime. The Dutchman then overtook the Briton to claim his first world title. Upon arrival, Hamilton declared that this race was “manipulated.” This led to a huge controversy resulting in Masi’s departure from the FIA.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Michael Masi responded to those who believe that this race was unfair and extends an offer to Lewis Hamilton to discuss it: “They have their point of view and they are entitled to it,” states the British driver before adding, “If I am asked to have a discussion, I am open to it, and I always have been.”
A fresh start
After the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Michael was dismissed from the FIA and distanced himself from the racing circuits after suffering insults and threats following this scenario. When I left the FIA, I told my parents, “Those days are over for me.” I had told them after the fallout from Abu Dhabi not to bother reading or watching anything. It’s not healthy. The place can be a very toxic environment. In many ways, social media can be a great tool, but not so good in others, says the Australian. The former race director could count on the support of his family and loved ones. There were people I spoke to privately, my partner at the time, she was an incredible support, and friends and family, he says.
After this break, Michael Masi returned to the automotive industry and has been the president of the Supercars commission in Australia since August 2022. Since the beginning of the year, he has also been a member of the Australian Karting Federation.
