Michael Masi will this weekend be present at a Formula 1 event for the first time since he was stripped of his role as race director.
Masi took over that role from the legendary Charlie Whiting after his sudden death on the eve of the 2019 season. He held it for three seasons before being removed in the wake of the 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi, during which his handling of a late safety car period changed the course of the title race.
He later left the FIA to return to his native Australia and was appointed as the Independent Chair of the Supercars Commission. In that role, Masi will be present in the F1 paddock this weekend as Supercars is one of the support races for the Australian Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton was the man who missed out on the championship as a result of what happened in Abu Dhabi. Max Verstappen, with the help of his much fresher tyres, was able to breeze past the Brit on the final lap after the safety car period was expedited.
Some in Hamilton's position might take the opportunity to speak with Masi and seek a personal explanation. But the seven-time world champion does not appear to be interested in such a conversation.
Asked if he plans to hold a conversation with Masi, he told reporters in Melbourne: "I don't. I am just focused on my future. I am focused on trying to get back to winning. There is nothing to say."
Hamilton has not won a race since that fateful night in Abu Dhabi. Mercedes were unable to provide him with a competitive car last season and, judging by the first two races of 2023, the same story looks likely to unfold.
That situation has led to speculation over Hamilton's future, given he is 38 years old and his current deal expires at the end of this year. But he insists that he feels "amazing" about his Mercedes future and still feels "very much at home".
He added: "It is my family, and I see myself being with Mercedes until my last days. If you look at the legends like Sir Stirling Moss, who was with Mercedes until the end of days, that has been the dream for me, to one day have that.
"I have got some amazing allies at the team, some great relationships here, and as long as I can continue to help the team, drive the team forward and really contribute then that is why I want to stay. If there is ever a point where I feel like I am not able to do that, it is time for a youngster to come in and take my seat. But I still feel pretty young and in pretty decent shape."
