Masi was openly criticised for his antics in the 2021 season finale after dubiously allowing Max Verstappen the chance to win the F1 Drivers’ Championship.
The Dutchman went toe-to-toe with Lewis Hamilton in Abu Dhabi in a bid to win the title, with the pair level on 369.5 points going into the final race of the campaign.
Hamilton led for 57 of the 58 laps and it appeared the Brit would be taking home a fifth consecutive title and a seventh trophy in eight years.
But following Williams driver Nicholas Latifi’s crash on lap 53, a safety car was issued – allowing Verstappen to pit for new tyres and close the gap on Hamilton.
With just one lap left and five cars in between the duo – with Hamilton having lapped every single car bar Verstappen – it appeared the safety car would drag the Stevenage-born ace over the line.
