close global

Welcome to GPFans

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

  • NL
  • GB
  • IT
  • ES-MX
  • US
  • GB

Are you a F1 Fan? Follow GP Fans

Edition

NL GB IT ES-MX US

Villeneuve calls for Masi to remain after doing "everything right"

Photo: © LAT Images
21 reacties

Villeneuve calls for Masi to remain after doing "everything right"

Masi's position has come under scruitny since Abu Dhabi

GPFans Staff

Former F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve has insisted FIA race director Michael Masi should remain in his role.

Masi's position has been placed under a spotlight since the controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix where Max Verstappen took his maiden championship after taking advantage of a late safety car period.

The procedures taken by Masi during the intervention has led Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and driver Lewis Hamilton to 'disillusionment', with the FIA launching an inquiry into the events at Yas Marina.

Despite the pressure places on the Australian, 1997 champion Villeneuve believes Masi executed his job well under the circumstances.

"Michael Masi should not be removed," Villeneuve told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He worked under pressure with the two team principals, in particular, Toto Wolff, who in the last 5 races, continued to scream in his ears.

"He did almost everything right after that safety car. The only drawback is that he could [have let] everyone [unlap themselves] a lap earlier, but it was right to restart the race.

"If anything, we now need more precise rules and maybe permanent stewards. The alternative is to allow everything by letting, after accidents, the drivers punch each other like in America".

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

F1 ruined more than half a century of history with one bone-headed decision

F1 ruined more than half a century of history with one bone-headed decision

  • 22 minutes ago
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen withdraw help from F1 star

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen withdraw help from F1 star

  • 1 hour ago
Martin Brundle claims driver safety is 'fourth priority' for FIA

Martin Brundle claims driver safety is 'fourth priority' for FIA

  • 2 hours ago
Aston Martin F1 boss finds Honda 'peace talks' absurd

Aston Martin F1 boss finds Honda 'peace talks' absurd

  • 3 hours ago
Why Lewis Hamilton's 2026 form is not as good as it seems

Why Lewis Hamilton's 2026 form is not as good as it seems

  • Today 08:56
F1 News Today: F1 teams head to Nurburgring as FIA approve new race

F1 News Today: F1 teams head to Nurburgring as FIA approve new race

  • Today 07:54

Just in

12:53
F1 ruined more than half a century of history with one bone-headed decision
11:54
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen withdraw help from F1 star
10:59
Martin Brundle claims driver safety is 'fourth priority' for FIA
09:47
Aston Martin F1 boss finds Honda 'peace talks' absurd
08:56
Why Lewis Hamilton's 2026 form is not as good as it seems
F1 news

Recommended by the editors

F1 ruined more than half a century of history with one bone-headed decision F1 History

F1 ruined more than half a century of history with one bone-headed decision

22 minutes ago
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen withdraw help from F1 star F1 News & Gossip

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen withdraw help from F1 star

1 hour ago
Aston Martin F1 boss finds Honda 'peace talks' absurd F1 News & Gossip

Aston Martin F1 boss finds Honda 'peace talks' absurd

3 hours ago
F1 'doesn't need' Max Verstappen - legend claps back Max Verstappen

F1 'doesn't need' Max Verstappen - legend claps back

Yesterday 20:58
Ontdek het op Google Play
x