Formula 1: Michael Masi removed as F1 race director over Abu Dhabi GP controversy

Masi was heavily criticised for the sequence of events that led to Verstappen passing Lewis Hamilton to deprive the Briton of a record eighth title. Paris: Michael Masi has been removed as Formula One race director over his management of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year which led to Max Verstappen being controversially crowned world champion. “Michael Masi, who accomplished a very challenging job for three years as Formula 1 race director following Charlie Whiting, will be offered a new position within the FIA,” read a statement by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas will act alternatively as Race Director, assisted by Herbie Blash as permanent senior advisor.” Sulayem also announced that measures will be introduced to ease the pressure on the race director. “It will still be possible to ask questions to the race director, according to a well-defined and non-intrusive process.” Unlapping rules to be ‘reassessed’ Masi had been heavily panned after calling in the safety car for the final lap, then controversially allowing the backmarkers between race leader Hamilton and Verstappen to unlap themselves.