Should Michael Masi continue as F1 director? THIS former world champion feels he should

Ever since the end of the 2021 Formula 1 season, there has been plenty of talk over the future of F1 race director Michael Masi.

Masi was at times an unpopular figure among the paddock. However, it was the ending of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that put him under the spotlight.

And while it is not publicly confirmed, it is believed that the Mercedes F1 team are keen for his removal from the position.

It is something many in the sport feel is inevitable. However, former F1 world champion Damon Hill believes Masi should be allowed to stay on in the position.

“I think he’s learned his lesson. I think we need someone who has some experience,” Hill told Sky F1.

“These people know what they are dealing with. He just needs back-up and needs to be given the confidence that he can lay down the law according to what he wants to see done.

“Assuming, of course, he wants it to be run to the regulations.”

But that is not something that former F1 driver Martin Brundle agrees with. In his opinion, if Masi was to stay on, he would be on his final life in the sport.

“If the FIA and F1 want Michael Masi to stay, and if Michael Masi wants to stay, he has clearly only got one life left,” said Brundle.

“So I don’t know if that’s tenable all-round.”

What did Michael Masi do to have his future in question?

Towards the end of the season-ending Abu Dhabi GP, a Safety Car was brought in due to Nicholas Latifi’s crash. According to regulations, the Safety Car would come in on the end of the final lap.

But Masi chose to circumvent the rules. He not only brought in the Car early, but also ordered only those lapped cars between first-placed Lewis Hamilton and second-placed Max Verstappen to unlap themselves.

The regulations state that all lapped cars should unlap before the Safety Car comes in. As a result, Verstappen was able to easily attack Hamilton – who was on older tyres, whereas the Dutchman had pitted for new tyres.

The fact that the rules were not followed, however, meant the finish was a controversial one. And it tarnished, for many, what was a thoroughly enjoyable season.

As things stand, it is unclear whether Masi will continue in the position. It is also unclear if Hamilton will be racing in the 2022 season.