Lewis Hamilton’s Masi view shared by ‘several drivers’ due to three ‘confusing’ calls

Lewis Hamilton’s request for the FIA to sack race director Michael Masi is a view shared by a number of drivers on the grid following three notorious calls in 2021. Masi’s position is believed to be under review amid an investigation into the controversial events that unfolded at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with results set to be confirmed by the World Motorsport Council on 18 March – two days before the start of the 2022 season in Bahrain.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff reportedly met with new FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem on Friday to discuss the events of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Wolff allegedly demanded Masi is sacked as Hamilton is considering his future after Red Bull star Max Verstappen secured a maiden world title in controversial circumstances.

The Dutchman passed the seven-time world champion – who had dominated for much of the race – on the final lap of the season as a late Safety Car and tyre change swung momentum in his favour.

Mercedes’ fury was largely aimed at Masi after he decided to not allow cars to unlap themselves, as is tradition, only to change his mind to set up the final lap showdown between Hamilton and Verstappen.

The Silver Arrows allegedly only dropped their appeal against the results of the race after agreeing a deal with the FIA, which said both Masi and FIA head of single-seater technical matters Nikolas Tombazis would be removed from their posts ahead of the 2022 season.

Masi’s approach in the finale has been heavily criticised, with Hamilton suggesting over radio that it was ‘rigged’.

Team principal Wolff said last month that Mercedes would ‘hold the FIA to account’ – and Secretary General for Motorsport Peter Bayer announced he would make ‘proposals to review and optimise the organisation of the FIA Formula 1 structure for the 2022 season’.

Even if the system is redefined to grant Masi more help, it is difficult to see the Australian retaining his job amid the intense scrutiny.