FIA warned of making Michael Masi mistake as Lewis Hamilton awaits decision – ‘Like a dog’ | F1 | Sport
Michael Masi has been backed to continue as the FIA’s race director despite his role in the controversy surrounding the 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi. Driver steward Danny Sullivan believes Masi should stay in his role and suggested it could be a mistake for the FIA to part ways with the Australian.
It has been widely reported that Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton would base a decision over his future on whether Masi remains in his job.
But Mercedes appear to have confirmed that the 37-year-old will compete in a 16th season this year with a social media post.
Hamilton was denied a record eighth Drivers’ World Championship following the contentious decision to restart the final lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
On softer tyres, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was able to overtake his fierce rival – despite Hamilton having led for most of the race.
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Mercedes were fuming over the decision and had two protests thrown out. A further court appeal was later withdrawn.
Masi has faced vast criticism but it is unclear where his future lies. An inquiry into the end of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is yet to conclude, with the outcome likely to become clearer later this week.
But Sullivan has thrown his backing behind Masi, saying he works ‘like a dog’.
“It’s a lot of pressure, because you’re trying to make the right decision and follow all the rules,” said Sullivan.
Going deeper into the decision-making process, Sullivan added: “We’ve never had a discussion over where anybody is sat in the championship, what it did with points, none of that in 13 years has ever been a part of the discussion.
“Now if somebody has that in the back of their mind, nobody has ever brought it out in the stewards’ room.
“We just look at the data, all the cameras, everything. This is the alleged infraction – yay or nay – and if it’s a yay, the penalties are all pretty much set. If it’s extreme, it’s this, if it’s not, it’s that.
“I’ve worked with all the chief stewards, the second stewards, and it’s always been that way.
“If we’re not sure, we always ask a question. And that’s been the same to Charlie Whiting or Michael Masi. You make the best decision you can on the information you got.”
