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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Jonathan Spencer

FIA give fans update into Abu Dhabi inquiry with Michael Masi's role on knife-edge

The FIA has confirmed that their findings into their Abu Dhabi inquiry will be made public over the coming days, with Michael Masi's role as race director still very much up in the air.

After Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton was pipped to the 2021 title in Abu Dhabi by Red Bull rival Max Verstappen following Masi's controversial safety car ruling, an inquiry was conducted into what unfolded.

Masi has come under-fire since with calls for him to be sacked, with Mercedes in particular ramping up the pressure, for his decision to allow only cars between the two title contenders to unlap themselves.

This dramatic call put Verstappen right on the tail of Hamilton, who had an 11-second lead before Nicholas Latifi' crash with six laps to go.

Hamilton was cruising to an unprecedented eighth world title before Verstappen dramatically overtook his rival in the single lap shootout that unfolded.

Michael Masi's position as FIA race director remains on a knife-edge (Getty Images)

And with the inquiry being conducted over the past weeks, a meeting was held in London today between the FIA and all 10 constructors - with arch rivals Toto Wolff and Christian Horner in attendance.

FIA's new president Mohammed Ben Sulayem disclosed the findings of the inquiry at the meeting of the F1 commission, and an 'action plan' is set to be unveiled to the public imminently.

After the conclusion of the meeting, the FIA released the following statement: "The FIA President led detailed discussions of the 2021 FIA Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

"Feedback from the Commission on matters raised will be incorporated into the President’s analysis and he will publicly present news of structural changes and action plan in the coming days."

No indication has been given over what the findings concluded and what changes will be made, but there have previously been reports that F1's governing body could make structural changes to race control.

Masi came under criticism for several calls last season, amid pressure from team principals throughout races, but structural changes could give the Australian some much-needed support if they keep faith in him.

Lewis Hamilton is desperate for revenge against reigning champion Max Verstappen (REUTERS)

F1 bosses have previously indicated that teams will no longer have the chance to hound the race director during races, like what fans witnessed many times last season.

Meanwhile, Mercedes have for good ended faint speculation surrounding Hamilton's future following months of talk he could retire following his title heartbreak at the Yas Marina circuit.

Mercedes officially confirmed the seven-time world champion will return for the 2022 season, tweeting a picture of the Brit with the caption: "44 is back."

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