Michael Masi did not talk about the controversial decision of the Abu Dhabi GP in 2021, but extended thanks to everyone he worked with at the FIA, especially those who supported him when he was F1's race director
Michael Masi spoke for the first time since the FIA (International Automobile Federation) officially announced his departure on July 12. The former Formula 1 race director - who stepped down after last year's controversial title decision in Abu Dhabi, which culminated in Max Verstappen's first championship - issued a note of thanks to everyone who worked with him over the past few years.
The Australian took over as F1's race director after the sudden death of Charlie Whiting, who had held the post since 1997. Masi was especially grateful for the FIA's confidence in promoting him to the post after the tragedy.
"It has been a pleasure and an honor to represent the FIA as single-seater sporting director, Formula 1 race director and safety delegate since Charlie's unexpected and tragic death in Melbourne in 2019," the former director said. "After working on various projects around the world with the federation and its affiliated clubs for over a decade prior to my appointment, I have decided to leave the organization and return to Australia to be closer to my family and friends," he added.
"I am proud to have worked for many years in partnership with various FIA member clubs, Formula One, the competitors, promoters and circuit operators and with my colleagues and internal staff at the FIA. I will always cherish these relationships and friendships that I have cultivated throughout my life and my journey to date," Masi continued.
"In particular, I am forever grateful to Herbie Blash and the late Charlie Whiting for seeing me as a future successor in 2018, a role I was eager to follow and learn from Charlie for many years before his shocking death," he said.
In February this year, as direct consequences of the Abu Dhabi controversy, the FIA replaced Masi with Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas as race director. The following month, the regulatory body completed an investigative report into the events of the last race of F1 2021, admitting the Australian's "human error" - but upholding the race results.
It all happened on the safety-car provoked by Nicholas Latifi with five laps to go. Before the restart, on the last lap of the race, Michael chose to remove only the laggards who were among the title contenders instead of releasing all of them or none of them, as required by the regulations. With the direct confrontation created for the last lap, Verstappen overtook Hamilton and won his first F1 world title.
Masi did not comment on the fact that he stepped down as race director. He thanked Jean Todt, Stefano Domenicali, and the current president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, for their support, especially after the controversial race at Yas Marina.
"I also convey my sincere appreciation to former FIA President Jean Todt, Stefano Domenicali and my dedicated team for their support and guidance during my tenure. I extend my thanks to the tens of thousands of dedicated volunteers and officials who enable motorsport to happen every day around the world, as the safety of competitors and officials has always been my top priority," Masi added.
"Thank you to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and his presidential team for their personal support since the appointment. I wish them all the best in the future. Finally, the personal support from my family, friends and colleagues during this journey, particularly in the last few months, can only be described as something I will cherish forever," he concluded.