Max Verstappen’s 2021 Formula One title win WON’T be overturned despite FIA sacking race director Michael Masi following his scandalous decision in Abu Dhabi which robbed Lewis Hamilton of an eighth crown
- Michael Masi sacked as Formula One race director ahead of 2022 season
- Masi’s controversial decision in Abu Dhabi handed title to Max Verstappen
- Lewis Hamilton was robbed of a record-breaking eighth world title
- Mercedes did not appeal the decision in December and Verstappen’s win stands
Max Verstappen’s 2021 Formula One title win will not be overturned despite the sport’s governing body as good as admitting his victory was unjust by sacking race director Michael Masi.
Lewis Hamilton missed out on a record-breaking eighth crown in the most contentious circumstances as the late withdrawal of the safety car by Masi – coupled with the unlapping of five cars positioned between the Brit and Verstappen – at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December allowed the Dutchman to pass the Brit on newer tyres and claim the championship for the first time.
After a two-month deliberation process, new FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirmed on Thursday that Masi has left his role as director after three years, while also announcing changes to how grands prix would be officiated for the upcoming season.
Mercedes ditched their plans to appeal against Masi’s decision in December after Hamilton told his team that he did not want his eighth title to be won in court – and they reiterated that stance on Thursday.
Michael Masi was sacked as Formula One race director on Thursday after December’s farce
Max Verstappen celebrates after being crowned world champion in Abu Dhabi in December
A Mercedes spokesperson told Sportsmail: ‘We accepted and acknowledged the championship result in our statement on 16 December. Since then, the FIA has conducted its own analysis in consultation with teams and drivers (including us) and reached its conclusions, which they have presented today.’
Sportsmail‘s Jonathan McEvoy revealed in December that Hamilton was key to Mercedes’ revised position and, though bitterly sore at being deprived of the triumph he wanted most, thought it in the best interests of Formula One not to proceed down the legal route.
That was despite Mercedes’ lawyer, Paul Harris QC, believing he had an overwhelming case to present. Central to Hamilton’s thoughts was whether the FIA’s International Court of Appeal would ever contradict the decision their own body had made.
Lewis Hamilton was robbed of an eighth Formula One world title by Masi’s decision
Eduardo Frietas and Niels Wittich will now rotate in the role of race director while being supervised by Herbie Blash as a new permanent senior advisor.
Due to the controversial audio of Red Bull persuading Masi to make the decisions that led to Verstappen winning the title, Ben Sulayem has also announced that direct communications to the race director have been removed from the TV broadcast – and that teams may now only ask questions in a non-intrusive manner.
Ben Sulayem also announced the creation of a Virtual Race Control Room to assist the race director from the FIA’s offices, much like how the Video Assistant Referee works in football matches.