Sebastian Vettel claims F1 race director Michael Masi should CARRY ON

Sebastian Vettel defends Michael Masi and wants him to CARRY ON despite Abu Dhabi controversy after leaked audio messages revealed the race director delivered exactly what Red Bull asked for in 2021 season finale

  • A decision has yet to be made over F1 race director Michael Masi’s future
  • Masi has been the centre of controversy since last December’s Abu Dhabi GP
  • Masi has been accused of bending the rules so Max Verstappen could win
  • Audio messages appeared to show Masi giving into Red Bull chiefs on the radio
  • Sebastian Vettel claims Masi should stay on as he has done a ‘really good job’ 

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel believes Michael Masi should remain in his role as FIA race director as the new Formula One season draws ever closer.

Masi’s position is under intense scrutiny after he was accused of bending the rules to allow Max Verstappen the chance to beat Lewis Hamilton to the title following a late safety car period in last season’s finale.

Masi has been accused of giving into pressure applied by Red Bull chief Christian Horner and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, resulting in his decision not to follow the FIA rules and allow the cars to pass.

Sebastian Vettel (above) claims F1 race director Michael Masi should remain in his role

Masi (above) is accused of bending the F1 rules to allow Max Verstappen to win the world title

And video footage of a conversation between Masi and sporting director Wheatley appears to provide further evidence of the race director reacting to Red Bull’s demands.

Masi’s supporters have been few and far between since the race in Abu Dhabi on December 12. But Vettel, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, has thrown his weight behind the under-fire Australian.

‘For Michael, it has been a pity,’ said Vettel, 34. ‘There are two interests clashing – one is the sport and the other is the show. I don’t care so much about the show because I look at is a sport and from a competitive point of view.

‘Obviously, it is not the easiest to be in the shoes of the referee, or Michael’s shoes, but he has done a great job, particularly after filling in for (former race director) Charlie Whiting who died so suddenly.

Vettel (left) says Masi has done ‘really well’ despite the ‘controversy’ of Verstappen’s (right) win

‘Michael has been very focused and determined to do a good job. I don’t know what is in store for his future but I hope he sticks around because overall he has done a very good job.

‘There was a lot of controversy surrounding the last race but that shouldn’t be, because if you look at the bigger picture he has done really well.

‘The main thing moving forward is that there is clarity in these situations so no further questions are asked.’ 

In the final stages of the Abu Dhabi race Masi ordered only the lapped cars between Hamilton and second-placed Verstappen through, providing the Dutchman, on fresh tyres, a shot at passing Hamilton – who was on old rubber.

Masi allowed the lapped cars between leader Hamilton (left) and Verstappen (right) through

Verstappen took the victory with Hamilton claiming the result was ‘manipulated’. Hamilton, 37, is now awaiting the outcome of the FIA’s investigation ahead of the new season which starts in Bahrain on March 20.

In the radio messages, Masi is heard receiving advice from Wheatley on how to deal with the lapped cars with Red Bull desperate for a final-lap shootout.

Masi takes on the message from Wheatley, then decides to instruct the five lapped cars to unlap themselves. When questioned by Mercedes chief Toto Wolff, Masi is heard repeating the same language used by Wheatley in the previous message.

Wheatley first says: ‘Those lapped cars; you don’t need to let them go right the way around and catch up with the back of the pack. You only need to let them go, and then we’ve got a motor race on our hands.’ 

Radio messages show Masi appearing to bend to Red Bull’s Jonathan Wheatley (L)’s demands

‘Understood,’ the Australian responds before making his decision. When Wolff demands a reason for that controversial call, Masi replies: ‘Toto, it’s called a motor race, OK?’ 

The video has gained traction on social media but is not a new revelation. It was initially released by Formula One four days after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix but only now has it caused a whirlwind online, with the hashtag ‘#F1xed’ trending as a result. 

According to reports, the FIA are aware of the radio messages that have raised fresh questions over the outcome of the Abu Dhabi title decide. 

Vettel was speaking at Aston Martin’s car launch – its first of F1’s new technical era. The famous British team returned to the grid last year but finished only seventh of the 10 constructors, with Vettel 12th in the drivers’ standings.

German F1 icon Vettel was speaking at the Aston Martin car launch for the 2022 season

Vettel claims Aston Martin are in a ‘much better shape’ than last year at this year’s car launch

Team principal Otmar Szafnauer has since left and been replaced by former BMW chief Mike Krack.

‘At this stage everyone is hoping to be at the top and we hope we are in a much better shape than last year,’ added Vettel.

‘We have the ability this year to develop the car which we didn’t do last year for more than three-quarters of the season.

‘I hope the field will be closer and provide us with the chance to race at the front. Last year, we knew from the start it was going to be a long and difficult season so we hope for a better one.’




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