FIA has confirmed that former F1 race director Michael Masi has left the organisation .
In an official statement , FIA said, “The FIA confirms that Michael Masi has decided to leave the FIA and relocate to Australia to be closer to his family and take on new challenges. He oversaw a three-year period as FIA Formula 1 Race Director and Safety Delegate following the sudden passing of Charlie Whiting in 2019, carrying out the numerous functions he was tasked with in a professional and dedicated manner. The FIA thanks him for his commitment and wishes him the best for the future.”
During his tenure , he oversaw all the operations which includes logistics of F1 race weekend,ensuring all cars, tracks, and drivers conform to FIA regulations before, during, and after a race.
Michael Masi was caught in controversy during the Saudi Arabian GP 2021 for allowing only the lapped cars between Hamilton and second-placed Verstappen through under the safety car . This decision helped Verstappen , who was on fresher soft tyres to easily overtake Hamilton and win the grand prix and F1 Drivers’ championship 2021.
Following a detailed review by the FIA, Masi was removed from his role as Race Director on 17th February 2022 . Later the FIA released a report which confirmed Masi had incorrectly applied regulations , but acted in good faith and the results from the Saudi Arabian GP 2021 are valid .
There were rumors of FIA bringing back Michael Masi into F1 , but it never happened .
.
.
Peace✌️