The FIA (International Automobile Federation) has announced that former F1 race director Michael Masi has retired.
After the controversial ruling of the final round of 2021 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the FIA has replaced Michael Masi with two F1 race directors, Neil’s Witchitch and Eduardo Freitas, shortly before the start of 2022.
Michael Masi continued to work at the FIA and undertook some of his previous off-circuit tasks.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the FIA confirmed that Michael Masi had decided to leave the FIA and move to Australia to move closer to his family and take on new challenges.
“He oversaw for three years as F1 Race Director and Safety Representative following Charlie Whiting’s sudden death in 2019, and has performed many duties in a professional and devoted manner,” the FIA said. Said in a statement.
“FIA appreciates his commitment and wishes him success in the future.”
Michael Masi has played various roles in the Australian motorsport scene, initially with TEGA, the Association of Touring Car Participants, and later with the Australian Motorsports Federation.
In the work of the Australian Motorsports Federation, Michael Masi was seconded to the F1 Korean Grand Prix project in 2010. He was in regular contact with then-F1 race director Charlie Whiting.
After further work with the Australian Motorsports Federation and the V8 Supercars Organization, Michael Masi emerged as a candidate to replace Charlie Whiting. He worked with Charlie Whiting in 2018 as Deputy Race Director with Scott Elkins. ..
However, Charlie Whiting died shortly before the opening round of the 2019 season in Australia, Michael Masi was promoted to the role of F1 race director, and eventually was given a permanent job, and Scott Elkins occasionally Served as Deputy Race Director.
Michael Masi was also given the role of Charlie Whiting as a safety representative and later the title of Head of the FIA Single-seater Sport.
However, following the controversial decision over the 2021 Abu Dhabi GO race and slow safety car, it received a lot of criticism, especially from the Mercedes F1 camp.
Nevertheless, Michael Masi was still hoping to continue his work in 2022. However, in February, the new FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem decided to reform the structure and retired from the role of F1 race director.At the time, Michael Masi was described as being offered a new position within the FIA.
