Posted in: 12/07/2022 – 17:06Last updated: 12/07/2022 – 17:05
Paris (AFP) – Former Australian Formula One racing director Michael Massey, who was criticized for his mishandling of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, decided the final round of 2021, which ended with Red Bull’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen winning his first title, to give up his duties, the International Automobile Federation announced Tuesday. “Via”.
“Michael Massey has decided to leave the FIA and move to Australia to be close to his family and face new challenges,” the FIA confirmed in a statement.
He added, “During a period of three years, he held the position of Formula One Racing Director and Safety Delegate for the FIA following the death of Charlie Whiting in 2019, and performed many of the functions entrusted to him in a professional and dedicated manner.”
Masi was dismissed from his position in February early this year, knowing that he decided during the Abu Dhabi race at the Yas Marina Circuit to resume the race in his last lap, while the single-seater cars were behind the safety car, which gave Verstappen the victory following he overtaken the British Mercedes driver Lewis. Hamilton, seven-time world champion.
“Sir” Hamilton, who did not change the tires of his car other than the “Mad Max”, denounced the decision, saying that the result of the race had been “manipulated”.
Mercedes accused Massey, 44, of not fully implementing the law, but decided not to appeal the decision, calling for “measures to be taken before the start of the season.”
The International Federation conducted a “detailed and explanatory analysis” of the controversial events and decided to change the way races are run in the championship, with the prohibition of contact between the race director and team managers during races and the establishment of a virtual race control room, similar to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in football. In addition to the deletion of direct wireless communications during the race, which are broadcasted by all televisions live, in order to protect the race director from any pressure and enable him to make his decisions safely.
Nils Wittich and Eduardo Freitas alternately as Racing Director, with Herbie Plush as permanent senior advisor.
At the time, Austrian Mercedes director Toto Wolff commented on the FIA’s procedures, saying, “This is good progress.”
For his part, Hamilton, who lost a little “trust in the system”, supported this “first phase of the process” in February, stressing that he is waiting to see “concrete measures” until he is fully convinced.
© 2022 AFP
