A controversial figure and former race director is leaving the FIA altogether. What did Michael Masi say on his departure?

After last season, the president of the International Automobile Federation, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, decided to sack Michael Masi, who remained in the FIA. But now his tenure with the governing body is over, what did he say about the FIA or its president?

It must be acknowledged that Masi had a number of controversial moments last year. The imaginary highlight was the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, when Masi’s decision virtually decided the title fight.

Even the FIA itself sought and still seeks show wherever it can. But it wasn’t just Abu Dhabi, Masi also made a very controversial decision in Saudi Arabia when he and Red Bull almost “traded” positions, the eternal topic of track limits is still with us today.

Masi retired as race director in February this year, with Ben Sulayem appointing not one but two new directors. For this season, Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich are filling that role.

It should be noted, one of the other surprising decisions by the FIA has once again brought confusion to the decision making processes and the relationship between F1 drivers and the organisation itself is not good at the moment.

Anyway, at the time that the FIA president dismissed Masi, Ben Sulayem offered the former race director a new position that would keep him involved in the management of the races. But now it is clear that Masi will quit the International Automobile Federation altogether.

Reasons for Masi’s departure

Following the unexpected death of Charlie Whiting in 2019, Masi held a number of roles in the FIA. For three years, he was F1’s race director as well as its safety delegate, and also served as sporting director.

“Having worked on various projects around the world with the Federation and its member clubs for more than a decade prior to my appointment, I have now decided to leave the organisation and move back to Australia to be closer to my family and friends,” Masi told Speedcafe.

“I will always cherish these lifelong relationships and friendships that I have built during my journey so far,” he added.

Masi also paid tribute to Whiting and thanked several other key FIA figures, including Ben Sulayem and Stefano Domenicali.

“In particular, I am eternally grateful to Herbie Blash and the late Charlie Whiting for identifying me as their future successor in 2018, a role I was looking forward to,” he explains.

“Thank you to the tens of thousands of dedicated volunteers and officials who make motorsport possible every day around the world, as the safety of the riders and officials has always remained my top priority,” he concluded.

Sources