Mercedes boss Toto Wolff lays down Michael Masi demands in strong message to FIA
Nico Rosberg tells of his willingness to befriend Lewis Hamilton
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Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has laid down his Michael Masi demands by calling on the FIA to ‘take action’ ahead of the new Formula One season. F1 race director Masi and Silver Arrows superstar Lewis Hamilton’s futures are still uncertain following the controversial 2021 finale in Abu Dhabi.
According to BBC Sport, Mercedes dropped their appeal over Max Verstappen’s world title win in agreeance that Masi and Nikolas Tombazis were dismissed from their roles.
On Tuesday, MailSport reported new FIA president Muhammed Ben Sulayem and F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali had an hour-long meeting at F1’s London HQ.
The topics discussed have remained private, but the duo would’ve undoubtedly touched on Hamilton’s future and Masi’s status as race director.
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Last week, the FIA announced they had started an investigation into the controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December.
A statement revealed Masi’s use of the safety car would be on the agenda, considering it was crucial to Verstappen’s dramatic last-lap overtake on Hamilton to win his maiden world title.
But the outcome of the investigation won’t come to light until March 18, just days before the first race of the new campaign in Bahrain.
Wolff, who pulled no punches after the controversial ending in Abu Dhabi, has now demanded the FIA take action against Masi and ensure clarity about the regulations is provided ahead of the 2022 season.
He told Auto Motor und Sport: “I expect actions and not just words. In a sport that’s supposed to be a sport, we can’t freestyle like that with the set of rules.
“Before the start of the new season, there must be clarity about the rules so that every driver, team and fan knows what is allowed and what is not.
“In the end, we provide entertainment, but no decision should break the rules for the sake of the show.”
And after the disappointment of Abu Dhabi, Wolff also suggested Mercedes will work with the FIA to ‘do better’ going forward.
“It’s very deep. Lewis, I and the whole team are disillusioned. We love this sport because it’s honest. The stopwatch never lies,” Wolff explained.
“But if we break the fundamental principle of fairness and the stopwatch is no longer relevant, then you doubt this sport. That all your work, blood, sweat and tears can be taken away from you.
“It’s going to take a long time to digest. I don’t think we’ll ever get over that, especially Lewis as a driver. At least we can try together with the FIA to do better in the future.”
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