Masi’s future remains unknown until the FIA completes its investigation into the decisions that were made at the end of the race that closed last season, in which the world championship was defined in favor of Max Verstappen.
The Dutchman overtook Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the race, but Masi failed to apply at least two articles of sporting regulations as the grand prix resumed after a brief safety car period, including allowing some lapped drivers to recover the turn.
It appears that the FIA is looking into changing the structure of its F1 operations going forward, ensuring that the race director will have more help from people close to him.
Asked by Motorsport.com for his thoughts on Abu Dhabi and the FIA investigation, the German stressed the need to “focus on the sport and not so much on the show” in F1.
“I was at the race and I was wondering why they didn’t let us split earlier so the race could start again, but I guess there is a protocol and rules,” Sebastian Vettel said.
“I think the most important thing is that from now on there is clarity about what happens in these types of situations and that no more questions are asked.”
Speaking of the balance between sport and entertainment, Vettel called it a “shame” that interests had “clashed” and expressed hope that Masi would continue as race director.
“It’s not the easiest thing sometimes to be in the shoes of the referee, but I think Michael (Masi) has done a great job, especially after taking the role after the sudden death of Charlie (Whiting),” explained the Aston Martin.
“He’s been very, very focused and determined to do a good job. I don’t know what his future is, but I hope he stays, because I think overall he did a very, very good job.”
“I think there’s a lot of controversy over the last race, but there shouldn’t be. If you look at the big picture, he’s done really well.”
Vettel’s Aston Martin teammate, Lance Stroll , was one of the drivers prevented from making up the lap in Abu Dhabi after race control only gave that instruction to those between Verstappen and Hamilton on track. .
Asked for his opinion by Motorsport.com , the Canadian admitted he thought it was a “ridiculous” decision, and urged more consistency going forward.
“We can’t change the rules midway through, or at the end of a race, tell the bulk of the cars that they can overtake,” Stroll said. “Unfortunately I was part of the group of the other half of the cars that couldn’t overtake on the new soft tyres, with the opportunity to pass and maybe do something.
“It’s never been done before, and I think it’s important that we keep the rules consistent. I understand it’s great to go racing, and everyone wants to see the last lap of the race and the two drivers fighting for the championship. of the world face an attempt”.
“We can’t make up rules at the end of a race like this. They have to be set in stone. If there’s a bug where the cars don’t get through early enough when the safety car comes out or the drivers behind aren’t allowed to get into the safety car early enough, and the consequence is that we won’t have a full lap of the race, because that’s the way it is”. he claimed.
“The rules have to be constant. In Formula 1 we have seen some inconsistency in penalties and decision-making, and I think this has been perhaps too much,” Stroll settled.
