Masi rose to the role of race director following the death of Charlie Whiting on the eve of the 2019 Australian GP, and held it for three full seasons until the controversy of the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP proved to be the trigger for his departure in February. of this year.
He returned to Australia in April, while still an FIA employee, while his future role was still under discussion.
The FIA confirmed on Tuesday that Masi has formally left the organization.
“It has been a pleasure and an honor to represent the FIA as Single Seater Sporting Director and Race Director and Safety Officer for the FIA in Formula 1 since the unexpected and tragic passing of Charlie at Melbourne 2019,” Masi said in a statement. to which Motorsport.com has been able to access.
“Having worked on various projects around the world with the federation and its member clubs for over a decade prior to my appointment, I have now decided to leave the organization and relocate back to Australia to be closer to my family and friends. “.
“I am proud to have worked for many years in collaboration with the various FIA member clubs, the Formula 1 Group, competitors, promoters and circuit owners, as well as my colleagues and the internal FIA team.”
“I will always maintain those lifelong relationships and friendships that I have developed throughout my career to date.”
In his words remembering Whiting, who gave him the opportunity to develop in the position of deputy race director, Masi underlined that his promotion to the main position came much earlier than expected.
“In particular, I am eternally grateful to Herbie Blash and the late Charlie Whiting for identifying me as a future successor in 2018, a role I was looking forward to pursuing and learning from Charlie for many years before his surprising passing.”
“I also convey my sincere thanks for the support and guidance during my tenure from former FIA President Jean Todt, Stefano Domenicali, and my dedicated FIA single-seater affairs team.”
“I extend my thanks to the tens of thousands of volunteers and officials who enable motorsport to take place every day around the world, as the safety of competitors and officials has always remained my top priority.”
He concluded: “Thank you to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and his team for their personal support since his appointment and I wish them all the best for the future.”
“The personal support from my family, friends and colleagues around the world throughout this journey and particularly over the last few months can only be described as overwhelming and something I will always cherish.”
Now Masi, 44, has to decide which path his professional life takes.
