Vettel, who is also a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, has thrown his support behind the embattled Australian.
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Sebastian Vettel, a four-time world champion, believes Michael Masi should keep his job as Formula One race director despite his controversial decision that effectively decided the 2021 world championship. Masi’s position is under fire after he was accused of breaking the rules in order to give Max Verstappen the chance to beat Lewis Hamilton to the title after a late safety car period in the season finale in Abu Dhabi last year. However, Vettel, who is also a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, has thrown his support behind the embattled Australian.
“For Michael, it has been a pity,” said Vettel, speaking at the launch of Aston Martin’s car for the 2022 season. “There are two interests clashing — one is the sport and the other is the show. I don’t care so much about the show because what I look at is a sport and from a competitive point of view.”
“Michael has been very focused and determined to do a good job. I don’t know what is in store for his future but I hope he sticks around because overall he has done a very good job. There was a lot of controversy surrounding the last race but that shouldn’t be, because if you look at the bigger picture he has done really well. The main thing moving forward is that there is clarity in these situations so no further questions are asked.”
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Only lapped cars between Hamilton and second-placed Verstappen were allowed through in the final stages of the Abu Dhabi race, giving the Dutchman a chance to pass Hamilton, who was running on old rubber. Hamilton claimed the result was manipulated, but Verstappen took advantage of his opportunity. Hamilton, 37, is now awaiting the results of the FIA’s investigation ahead of the new season, which begins on March 20 in Bahrain.
