Michael Masi removed from position as FIA race director

He had been under pressure ever since the controversy at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last season

The FIA has confirmed that Michael Masi has been removed for his position as race director. Masi oversaw the controversial ending to the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December which saw Max Verstappen overtake Lewis Hamilton on the final lap to claim the world championship. He had made the decision to allow the cars between Verstappen and Hamilton to unlap themselves after calling the safety car in, effectively handing the title to Verstappen who was on much fresher tyres and was able to pass Hamilton with ease. The news was part of a number of changes announced by FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem as a result of the inquiry into the events in Abu Dhabi. Two men will no alternate in the role of racing director, and officials at races will receive extra help, BBC Sport reports. The new race directors will be Eduardo Freitas, who formerly performed the role in the World Endurance Championship, and Niels Wittich, who did so in the DTM German Touring Car Championship, with Masi to be "offered a new position within the FIA." https://twitter.com/ESPNF1/status/1494300821932097539 There had been speculation about his position as race director ever since this incident, with some accusing Masi of putting entertainment and drama ahead of the rules and integrity of the sport. There were also accusations that Masi had been influenced by voice messages from Red Bull racing director Christian Horner when making his decision to allow Hamilton and Verstappen to effectively have a one-lap shoot out for the title. But the 44-year-old still had the support of some in the sport, with the likes of Sebastian Vettel, Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo continuing to voice their support for him, the MailOnline reports. The news that Masi is no longer in his post will be welcomed in the Mercedes garage, with the team having pressed for his departure from the sport ever since the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Related links:

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