Mercedes insider discloses full truth on Michael Masi ‘fury’ from behind the scenes

Mercedes boss hopes ‘robbed’ Lewis Hamilton will continue racing

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Reports of Mercedes’ anger at Michael Masi and the FIA on the outcome of decisions made in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are ‘nothing compared’ to how the Silver Arrows truly feel, according to reports. Masi came under intense scrutiny last season for several key decisions made during races.

None caused more drama though than what occurred in the final few laps at Yas Marina Circuit back in December.

Lewis Hamilton had dominated the race with Max Verstappen unable to find a way past his championship rival on the track.

But the Dutchman soon had the upper hand in controversial circumstances heading into the final lap under a safety car.

Masi caused outrage as he allowed the five lapped cars between Verstappen and Hamilton through for a straight shoot-out with one lap remaining.

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On fresh soft tyres, it was only a matter of time until Verstappen made his move and Hamilton was powerless to defend.

Wolff was immediately on team radio challenging Masi’s decision and then retreated to Mercedes’ offices to lodge an appeal.

The FIA ultimately decided to stick with what happened on track with Verstappen officially crowned World Champion.

But reports of anger and frustration from Mercedes have spilled out into the media ever since.

DON’T MISS

Hamilton has remained silent on social media ever since with some suggestions that he may even walk away from the sport following the drama from Abu Dhabi.

Pressure continues to mount on Masi with some calling for the FIA racing director to step down from his role.

And GP Racing columnist Mark Gallagher had some inside information on just how Mercedes are feeling with just weeks until the new season gets underway.

“We know that Mercedes are absolutely furious,” Gallagher said on the Flat Chat Podcast.

“I’ve spoken to people at Mercedes who have told me that any perceived public fury is nothing compared to how they feel inside the team about what happened.”

F1 fans will get their first glimpse of the new-look cars for the 2022 season from next week with Red Bull set to be the first to unveil their livery on February 9.

Mercedes will reveal the W13 on February 18, just days before the first pre-season track session in Barcelona.

The official pre-season test then gets underway on March 10 in Bahrain, a week before the first race of the year.

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