Masi’s future on a knife-edge as key summit fails to give answers
MICHAEL MASI’S future as Formula One race director was still hanging in the balance last night after a meeting of high rollers ended without resolution.
Despite Masi’s fate being one of the most hotly debated topics in world sport after last year’s closing race in Abu Dhabi, F1’s governing body issued an inconclusive 46-word statement following the F1 Commission summit in central London.
It read: ‘The FIA president led detailed discussions of the 2021 FIA Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
‘Feedback from the Commission on matters raised will be incorporated into the president’s analysis and he will publicly present news of structural changes and action plan in the coming days.’
Even though the new president, Mohammed ben Sulayem, could hardly be accused of rushing his first major decision — it is more than two months since the controversy unfolded — his dilemma is delicate. Masi, 44, has backing from significant figures in the corridors of power. They do not believe the teams should dictate who is the sport’s top official. Several drivers also voiced their support last week.
On the other side, Mercedes have pressed for his departure ever since he made his contentious decision: namely, disadvantaging Lewis Hamilton by withdrawing the safety car, which allowed Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to pass him and claim the title on the last lap.
Another intriguing feature of yesterday’s meeting was that Masi was in attendance. Was this a sign he will carry on? Or did it mean Ben Sulayem could hardly have fired him there and then but will break the news privately?
Some of the best-placed sources in F1 are split down the middle on Masi’s prospects. They have been for weeks and remained so last night. One told Sportsmail: ‘It will probably be business as usual, but with a bit more support around him.’
If Masi were to go, Portuguese Eduardo Freitas is the favourite to move across from the World Endurance Championship. Another insider added: ‘There are a lot of unknowns still.’
In other news, the meeting voted through sprint races at Imola, Austria and Brazil. The winner of the shortened format will now receive eight points, down to one for eighth place.
The FIA also confirmed no points will in future be awarded unless at least two laps of a Grand Prix have been completed without a safety car, a response to last August’s debacle in Belgium.