FIA President Considers Reinstating Michael Masi: A New Chapter in F1’s Controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi GP Saga

In a recent development, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has not ruled out the return of former F1 race director Michael Masi. This statement comes in the wake of Masi’s controversial handling of the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP, linking directly back to the evolving narrative of that event.

Key Takeaways:

• Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s Stance: The FIA President has acknowledged the challenges faced by Michael Masi during the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP and is open to considering his return to a role within the FIA, depending on the organization’s needs.
• Historical Context: Michael Masi, as the race director, faced significant criticism for his decisions during the final laps of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which had a dramatic effect on the championship’s outcome.
• Future Considerations: The recent remarks by Ben Sulayem indicate a potential shift in the FIA’s approach, with a possibility of Masi being reinstated if his expertise and role align with the future objectives of the organization.

In a detailed interview with The Independent, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem discussed the situation involving Michael Masi, the former F1 race director whose decisions during the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix stirred immense controversy and debate. The Grand Prix was a turning point in the championship, and Masi’s decisions during the race have been a subject of intense scrutiny.

Ben Sulayem, while acknowledging the severity of the backlash Masi faced, commented on the situation, saying: “I always apologise, but I cannot apologise for something which was done before my time [Abu Dhabi ’21]… Michael Masi went through hell – hell! And if I see there is an opportunity that the FIA needs, and Michael Masi is the right person, I will bring him [back].”

The 2021 Abu Dhabi GP remains a focal point of discussion in the F1 community, with varied opinions on how the race was handled, particularly during its final laps. The decisions made by Masi not only affected the race outcome but also highlighted the immense pressure and scrutiny race directors face in Formula 1.

As the F1 world continues to reflect on these events, Ben Sulayem’s recent statement opens a new chapter in this ongoing saga. It suggests a readiness to move past the controversy and possibly reintegrate Masi into a significant role within the FIA. This potential move would mark a significant turn in FIA’s leadership approach and could have lasting impacts on the governance of Formula 1 racing.