Michael Masi has permanently left F1 following his role in the controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last December.
In February, the Australian was removed from his position as FIA race director after an investigation into the safety car procedure that ultimately gifted Max Verstappen the world title. Despite his dismissal, current President Mohammed ben Sulayem implied the door was open for the 44-year-old to return in another capacity.
However, on Tuesday, the FIA released a statement that read: "The FIA confirms that Michael Masi has decided to leave the FIA and relocate to Australia to be closer to his family and take on new challenges.
"He oversaw a three-year period as FIA Formula 1 Race Director and Safety Delegate following the sudden passing of Charlie Whiting in 2019, carrying out the numerous functions he was tasked with in a professional and dedicated manner. The FIA thanks him for his commitment and wishes him the best for the future."
Masi came under fire for what transpired at the Yas Marina, accused of altering the rules to a manufacture an exciting finish. The race was being comfortably led by Lewis Hamilton when with five laps to go, Williams driver Nicholas Latifi careered off the track, prompting a safety car.
Second placed Verstappen gambled by pitting whilst Hamilton remained out, but it appeared futile when Masi instructed that lapped cars could not pass the FIA vehicle until it left the track. With no time left for racing to resume, Hamilton seemed set to coast to the chequered flag.
However, under pressure from Red Bull boss Christian Horner, Masi then dramatically altered his own ruling, allowing Verstappen to get on Hamilton's tail ahead of one final lap of racing. On fresher tyres, the Dutchman overtook his rival to seal an exhilarating victory - and a maiden world title.
Mercedes immediately launched a protest over what transpired, but this was subsequently dismissed by race stewards. After initially serving notice of intent to appeal, Toto Wolff and co then announced four days later they would not be pursuing that course of action.
But the FIA did agree to the request of the Silver Arrows to hold a full enquiry into the race, concluding that the procedure had been the result of 'human error'. As a result, Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas replaced Masi as co-race directors.
However, at the time ben Sulayem insisted his removal was not permanent, stating: "[We wanted] to take the pressure and the stress from him, because he really went through a lot. We are grateful for the three years that he invested with us, and he put his time [in].
"Now we are negotiating with him of course to stay in the FIA. He is [an] important figure to us so our people are negotiating other, I would not say a job, but another place for him within the FIA."
However, those negotiations have now seemingly broken down, with the Sydney-born Masi's ill-fated call in Abu Dhabi set to be his last action in F1. He's yet to speak publicly on the events of December 12, or his subsequent removal from his role.
