Aussie race director a ‘scapegoat’ for F1 finish

LEADING Formula 1 commentator David Croft believes Michael Masi was made a “scapegoat” from the controversial finish to last season

Masi was removed from his position as F1 race director after an FIA investigation into his handling of the season-finale Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December, which saw Max Verstappen crowned world champion after overtaking Lewis Hamilton in the final lap.

Speaking on SEN’s Whateley, Croft jumped to the defence of Masi, saying the Australian wasn’t provided enough support in the high-pressure race director role.

Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas replaced Masi for the 2022 F1 season.

“He’s been removed from his post as race director, but no explanation has been given as to why he’s been removed,” Croft said.

“We still await the report into Abu Dhabi. I find it quite strange that someone has been removed from their post, but no explanation has been given and no report has been issued.

“I also find it quite sad that Michael Masi has been replaced as race director.

“I know Michael Masi, I get on very well with Michael Masi, I’ve always found him a very nice man to deal with, open, honest and passionate about the sport.

“Two years into the job, and a very difficult job under a lot of pressure from all sides, I don’t think he should have been replaced, and I’m not the only one to say that.

“It’s interesting to hear the drivers when they were asked about it at the first test in Barcelona, pretty much all of them said Michael Masi shouldn’t have been made a scapegoat, that wasn’t fair on Michael Masi.

“The support structure has now been put in place to the race director, that should have been put in place a long time ago to help support Michael Masi, but it wasn’t.

“He’s been made the scapegoat but wasn’t given the tools to be able to do the job to the fullest extent of his abilities at the time. I think that really is a shame.”

The opening race of the 2022 F1 season takes place in Bahrain on Sunday, 20 March.

– BY ALEX ZAIA/ SEN