The man who made one of the most controversial world championship decisions in the premier class at the finale in Abu Dhabi in the 2021 Formula 1 season was back in the paddock of the premier class in Australia for the first time since the decisive race: Michael Masi. The Australian, now chairman of the Supercars Commission, is looking forward to seeing old friends again.
Since the Australian supercars start in Melbourne as part of the Formula 1 supporting program, Masi had his hands full in his new role Down Under. Still, he managed to speak to many old friends from his days as Formula 1 race director.
His FIA era, which began after the death of Charlie Whiting, ended with the Abu Dhabi controversy that helped propel Max Verstappen into world champion in the final meters.
Masi raves about returning to the Formula 1 circus
He raved about his time at Albert Park to “Motorsport.com”: “It’s fantastic to be back as a guest at the FIA and Formula 1. It was great. I was here as chairman of the Supercars Commission, but it was great to meet so many good friends and see so many people again including my old FIA team.”
Despite losing his job after the 2021 Formula 1 final, Masi had no doubt about being well received in the premier class ranks. “No, it was fantastic,” he looks back. “I’ve had a warm welcome from almost everyone I’ve met. It was like seeing my family again, who I’ve been separated from for so long.”
The loser of the 2021 World Cup final, Lewis Hamilton, had no need to talk to Masi, as the Briton on behalf of Mercedes made clear at the press conference on Thursday. “I’m just focused on my future,” he says. “I’m concentrating on winning again. That’s all there is to say.”
Ex-Formula 1 race director Masi not idle after his retirement
Masi, who has taken on several administrative tasks in Australia after his dismissal from the FIA, is also looking ahead.
In addition to his role as Chairman of the Supercars Commission, which he took over from Neil Crompton in September 2022, he is also a member of the South Australian Motorsport Board.
This organization is responsible for the Adelaide 500. He is also a member of the Australian Karting Commission. Masi has had his hands full since retiring from Formula 1.