“It’s called unemployment Michael Masi, you’re now jobless!”- F1 Twitter erupts as former Race Director leaves FIA to spend time with family

"It's called unemployment Michael Masi, you're now jobless!"- F1 Twitter erupts as former Race Director leaves FIA to spend time with family

Michael Masi, whose controversial decision making decided the outcome of the 2021 season has officially left the FIA.

The 2021 Abu Dhabi GP will remain long in the memory of F1 fans for it’s infamous conclusion. Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton came into the race, level points at the top. Whoever emerged victorious in Yas Island would take home the Title.

Hamilton had the entire race under his control, until Nicholas Latifi’s crash in the closing stages. It was then that Masi made a series of questionable calls, which ultimately led to Verstappen snatching the Title away from Hamilton. It angered the vast majority of the F1 community, and a massive backlash followed thereafter.

Fans called for Masi’s removal from F1, which was made official ahead of the start of the 2022 campaign. The Aussie stepped away from the limelight altogether, and wasn’t involved in the sport in any shape this season.

On Tuesday however, FIA announced that he had left the organization altogether. Masi decided that it was time for him to move back to Australia, in order to spend time with his family.

Also read: “I hope Charles Leclerc will pip Max Verstappen”: Sebastian Vettel predicts 2022 F1 championship

F1 Twitter divided over Michael Masi leaving motorsports behind

“It’s called motor racing Toto, we went car racing today,” Masi said to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff after the 2021 season finale. These words may have come to bite him back, now that the 44-year old is officially done with motorsports.

Most of F1 Twitter seems to be fairly pleased with Masi for his departure. However, there are some fans who stand by the Aussie, insisting that there were bigger problems in the sport.

The likes of Verstappen and Red Bull boss Christian Horner said in earlier interviews that the FIA were using Masi as a scapegoat for problems in the system.

Neils Wittich and Eduardo Freitas replaced Masi as race directors ahead of the start of this campaign.

Also read: “His eyes are absolutely stunning”- George Russell receives praise from F1 journalist Will Buxton on his ‘impressive eyelashes’

 

Post Edited By: Somin Bhattacharjee
FIA Lewis Hamilton Michael Masi Toto Wolff

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Somin Bhattacharjee

Basketball Editor Somin Bhattacharjee first discovered the game during the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Not long after, he turned to the NBA and found himself drawn to the Golden State Warriors — right at the start of Stephen Curry’s rise. Over time, the admiration turned into full-blown support for the team, one that continues even as the Curry era approaches its twilight. A true hoophead, Somin also follows EuroLeague basketball closely and enjoys exploring the game beyond the NBA. Though holding a bachelor's degree in marketing, Somin discovered his true calling in writing. Since 2021, he has penned over 3,000 articles for TheSportsRush, covering everything from breaking news to sharp opinion pieces and detailed exclusives. He thrives on writing about in-game moments and the reactions that make basketball a uniquely emotional sport. Beyond basketball, Somin plays different sports including soccer and remains a passionate fan of Spanish football giants Real Madrid

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