After the controversial end to the 2021 F1 season, there has been a lot of doubt about the credibility of Michael Masi. The race director restarted the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the final lap, which allowed Max Verstappen to win the title after going head-to-head with Lewis Hamilton for the championship.
The Dutchman ultimately came out on top, and was presented with the Driver’s Championship in December. With Mercedes choosing to not protest his championship, Verstappen will be keeping his title. There were calls from fans to have his title stripped, with claims that Hamilton was robbed. But, that won’t be the case.
F1 race director Michael Masi in hot water
There were several questionable decisions made throughout the last season. And the FIA have carried out an investigation into the issue. Their findings might not be made public until two days before the Bahrain Grand Prix, which starts off the season on March 20.
Masi’s position has come under threat due to the problems that came under the spotlight last year. As a result, it is likely that he will have an assistant to help him with his job. This is because of the belief that he might have had too much to do on his own.
There is also a chance that Michael Masi may be replaced by a new race director if the findings of the investigation deem it likely.
Radio communication between FIA and the different participating teams will likely be banned for the new season as well. This is after teams tried to gain a sporting advantage through the communication with the authorities.