Former F1 race director Michael Masi claimed he was “thankful” for his time in this sport after opting to leave the FIA. The Australian became the most controversial person in the sport after his contentious decision cost Lewis Hamilton a record eighth world title in Abu Dhabi last December.
It saw him lose his job and seven months after that fateful day on the final day of the 2021 season, he has walked away from the organisation in order to relocate to Australia and spend more time with his family. Speaking publicly for the first time since that evening, Masi, 44, who did not address the contentious season finale, thanked those who have supported him.
"The personal support of my family, friends, and colleagues globally during this journey and particularly in the last few months can only be described as overwhelming and something that I will forever cherish,” he began. "It has been a pleasure and honour representing the FIA as the single-seater sporting director and FIA Formula One race director and safety delegate since Charlie Whiting's unexpected and tragic passing in Melbourne 2019.
