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“It’s been a torturous two or three months of discussion, debate, criticism, public airing of view”- Friend of Michael Masi provides update on life after Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Janmeyjay Shukla
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"It’s been a tortuous two or three months of discussion, debate, criticism, public airing of view”- Michael Masi's 'personal friend' provides update on life after Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Eugene Arocca shares insight into the life of Michael Masi and appreciates the capabilities of the former F1 Race Director.

Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas have replaced Michael Masi as the race director. Herbie Blash will assist the new directors as the permanent senior advisor.

Eugene Arocca, CEO of Motorsport Australia and ‘personal friend’ of Masi described the latter’s life after Abu Dhabi GP.

Arocca appreciated his friend stating that he showed ‘fantastic resilience’ after the decision that crowned Max Verstappen as the world champion.

“He’s a personal friend. I’ve known him as long as I’ve been involved in motorsport, which goes back ten years!”

“We’ve become good buddies. It’s personally disappointing and devastating for me to see what has occurred. I’ve got to be very mindful that I’m not part of a process.”

“I wasn’t privy to the information that was being considered by the FIA. If you see a mate, and particularly an Australian, have to go through what he’s gone through. I’ve got a certain amount of empathy and disappointment and frustration and anger.”

Also Read: Nicholas Latifi wants to help with tackling online abuse after he received death threats following the Abu Dhabi GP

Michael Masi is very insightful, intelligent

In addition, Arocca proudly described Masi’s experience. “He’s [Masi] got an extensive background and history. A very insightful, intelligent, and able to make decisions in the heat of a moment.”

“He’s officiated for three years in one of the most public, high-pressure sporting events. With an element of danger in the world. Masi has done it during a pandemic with significant levels of travel, stress, other duties” he added.

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“Unlike many others, he’s actually been administering. Involved in managing motorsport for many, many years. In my view, that stands well on his resume for any employer anywhere in the world,” he concluded supporting his dear friend.

Torturous months after the Safety Car incident

After the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Masi had to go through a transitional phase. Life was difficult for the Australian, from coping with his personal life to dealing with criticism on a daily basis.

“I can’t speak on his behalf. However, I would say that one of the more difficult elements of all this,” he added

“Let’s call it this incident, which happened late last year, some three months ago. To a large degree, it’s been a process that hasn’t leaned itself to really being in a good frame of mind.

“It’s been a tortuous two or three months of discussion, debate, criticism, public airing of view.” The CEO of Australian Motorsports emphasizes life after the incident.

Also Read: Valtteri Bottas explains what sets Lewis Hamilton apart from others on the grid

About the author

Janmeyjay Shukla

Janmeyjay Shukla

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Janmeyjay Shukla is an artist who contributes his expressions through words as an F1 writer and editor at The SportsRush. He is an F1 historian who has been watching the sport since he was a baby. Passed on from generation to generation, he has seen the prime of Michael Schumacher to the rise of Max Verstappen. A Mercedes fan from the days of the Brawn GP era, the sport runs in his blood. Besides Formula One, Janmeyjay is a Marketing Head and a musician who loves to sing and play Rock & Pop songs on guitar. His love for sports will never die as he is a loyal Liverpool Football Club fan as well!

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