Masi responds to accusations of 'ruining Hamilton's legacy'
Masi responds to accusations of 'ruining Hamilton's legacy'
Former FIA race director Michael Masi has responded to the suggestion that he 'ruined Lewis Hamilton's legacy' with his decision-making at the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Australian left the FIA in the wake of the 2021 season-ending race that saw Max Verstappen claim his first world title as the result of a last-lap shootout with Hamilton.
This came about after Masi failed to follow the correct safety car procedure and allowed racing to resume at the end of the same lap in which he had allowed select cars to unlap themselves.
The decision directly resulted in Hamilton missing out on a record-breaking eighth drivers' world title.
Masi has returned to the F1 paddock for the first time since that event this weekend in his new position as the chair of the Supercars Commission.
Hamilton fans 'entitled' to views
Asked if he understands the accusations levelled at him that he may have 'ruined Hamilton's legacy', Masi told the Daily Mail: "They have their perspective and are entitled to their view.
"I respect any view, and it's not for me to comment on what they do or don't think."
Speaking on Friday, Hamilton confirmed he would not seek a conversation with the 44-year-old as "there is nothing to say."
Speaking of his mindset ahead of his return to the paddock, Masi added: "I was a little nervous on Wednesday, when I first came in, but you have seen with your own eyes the kind of reception [I have received]."
READ MORE: F1 Team Principals: Who are the men in charge in 2023?
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
Red Bull announce strong statement over Newey departure claims
- 16 minutes ago
Verstappen 'to meet Mercedes over SHOCK 2025 move as Red Bull exit clause revealed'
- 1 hour ago
F1 champion reveals £100 MILLION contract to keep racing
- 2 hours ago
F1 News Today: Newey 'property hunt' reveals Red Bull exit clues as Hamilton hints at Ferrari swoop
- 2 hours ago
Sky Sports F1 pundit calls for RADICAL change with impressive argument
- 3 hours ago
- 1
Newey TURNED DOWN F1 rivals before Red Bull decision
- Today 15:56
Related news
'Disaster waiting to happen': F1 star demands FIA safety OVERHAUL after terrifying crash
F1 pundit claims Mercedes HARSHLY treated by rivals
Kravitz attacked with CAKE in Ferrari celebrations
Perez makes HUGE Verstappen claim to give rivals title hope
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860