Mohammed ben Sulayem, the FIA’s president, has intimated that disgraced race director Michael Masi may RETURN to F1 in either the 2022 or 2023 season
Masi, an Australian, was fired in February for his participation in the contentious 2021 final race in Abu Dhabi.
Michael Masi is in line for a shock F1 return that will enrage Lewis Hamilton
Both Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes backed the decision to relieve Masi of his duties. Nonetheless, Ben Sulayem has shockingly stated that Masi, 44, is not out of F1. Masi wants to return to the frame only weeks after being kicked out.
According to Ben Sulayem, who spoke to the Daily Mail: “I didn’t manage to get rid of Michael. He had a personal overload (of work) as both a safety delegate and race director. He made a blunder. It’s not as if we stated Masi’s time with the FIA was over.”
Ben Sulayem took over the FIA in December, only weeks after Masi enabled five cars to un-lap themselves in Abu Dhabi, allowing Max Verstappen to win his first world title ahead of Lewis Hamilton. Masi was subsequently fired in February, with Red Bull CEO Helmut Marko even alleging Hamilton was to blame for his dismissal.
In addition, he stated that the FIA is “open” to re-hiring Masi in the future.
Ben Sulayem ended, saying: “Michael is present, and we may make use of him. I never said we were going to get rid of him. I mentioned that we may employ him. He could be in an excellent position to use. We’re open to anything.”
He further went onto speak about how the FIA was looking at hiring three race directors come the 2023 season. While it remains to be seen if Masi is offered a way back in the ongoing season itself or as one of the race directors remains to be seen.
He’s bound to go all out to enforce the jewellery ban on Hamilton and ensure the Brit either never sees the light of the track ever again or is made to make his jewels redundant.