Michael Masi: Should FIA sack chief? Will Lewis Hamilton retire if Aussie keeps his job?

The 2021 Formula One championship finale in Abu Dhabi was incredibly controversial. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen secured a maiden world title in dramatic and controversial circumstances at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after he and title rival Lewis Hamilton went into the season finale at the Yas Marina Circuit tied on points.

The Dutchman passed the seven-time world champion – who had dominated for much of the race – on the final lap of the season as a late safety car and tyre change swung momentum in his favour. 

Mercedes’ fury was largely aimed at FIA race director Michael Masi after he decided to not allow cars to unlap themselves, as is tradition, only to change his mind to set up the final lap showdown between Hamilton and Verstappen.

Mercedes withdrew their appeal against the result when the FIA pledged an investigation into the events surrounding the Safety Car procedures.

However, reports from the BBC claimed that the Silver Arrows had only dropped their appeal due after securing a quid pro quo deal with the FIA.

JUST IN: McLaren boss Zak Brown weighs in on Michael Masi incident

The deal reportedly said both Masi and FIA head of single-seater technical matters Nikolas Tombazis would be removed from their posts ahead of the 2022 season.

Wolff said last month that Mercedes would ‘hold the FIA to account’.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton may not be on the grid in 2022 as he is reportedly ‘disillusioned’ with the sport.

Hamilton and Mercedes team members are yet to conduct any other media interviews after the season finale. 

DON’T MISS: Lewis Hamilton would need ‘significant FIA action’ to return to F1