Vettel defends under-fire Masi for doing "a very, very good job"

Sebastian Vettel has thrown his support behind under-fire FIA race director Michael Masi by claiming the Australian has done a "very, very good job".

Masi's tenure as race director is under intense scrutiny, with F1's governing body overseeing an inquiry into his controversial handling of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year.

Four-time champion Vettel has, however, been quick to point out his position should not be decided on an isolated incident, highlighting the work he has done since being thrust into the role following the sudden death of predecessor Charlie Whiting.

Asked if he felt Masi could continue in his role, Vettel replied: "It has been a pity. There are two interests sort of clashing, one is sport and the other one is the show.

"For me, obviously, I don't care so much about the show. I look at it as a sport and from a competitive point of view and obviously, it is not the easiest sometimes to be in the shoes of the referee or Michael's shoes.

"But I think he has done a great job, especially filling in after Charlie passed away so suddenly and he really has been very, very focused and determined to do a good job.

"So I don't know either what his future is but I hope he sticks around because I think overall, he did a very, very good job. I think there is a lot of controversy over the last race but there shouldn't be.

"If we look at the bigger picture, he has done really well."