It is only a half-surprise, as we knew his place was threatened. Michael Masi paid dearly for the outcome of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix where the title swung in favor of Max Verstappen in the very last lap and in stormy circumstances, and possibly the chaotic management of the Belgian Grand Prix which had turned to the prank call. Criticized from all sides, the one who replaced the late Charlie Whiting at short notice in 2019 logically lost his position as race director for F1. The information was confirmed this Thursday by Mohammed Ben Sulayem in person, the new president of the FIA.
Masi’s ouster seemed inevitable. Several weeks ago, his absence from the new organization chart of the International Automobile Federation had raised awareness. The Australian should be offered a new position within the federation. A “shading”, in other words. Did the Mercedes team have Masi’s skin? For us, the answer is “yes”, as it seemed obvious that the representatives of the German formation would have had a hard time seeing the main interested party retain his functions while his decisions deprived Lewis Hamilton of an eighth world title.
For this year, Masi is to be replaced by Eduardo Freitas, well known for being the WEC race director, and Niels Wittich who held an identical position for the DTM. The two men will occupy this post alternately, with the support of Herbie Blash who was for a long time the right arm of Charlie Whiting.
Furthermore, it will no longer be possible for the teams to enter into direct communication with the race management in order to avoid all the pressures that plagued the past season. A virtual race direction, similar to VAR in football, will also be set up in order to offer the fairest possible decisions. The rules regarding latecomers when the Safety Car is in action are also going to be clarified at its next F1 Commission meeting which will take place shortly before the Bahrain Grand Prix.
