Ex-Formula 1 race director Michael Masi has left the FIA and has decided to relocate to Australia to be with his family.
Masi was ousted from his role as F1 race director following a highly controversial ending to the 2021 Formula 1 season in Abu Dhabi – the final straw after a series of decisions throughout his tenure that drew criticism from drivers and teams.
In February, when Masi was replaced by new rotating race directors Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich, the FIA said he had been “offered a new position within the FIA”.
The FIA has now confirmed that Masi will “leave the FIA and relocate to Australia to be closer to his family and take on new challenges” in a short statement.
He became F1’s race director in 2019, assuming the role at short notice following the death of Charlie Whiting on the eve of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
The FIA added he had conducted the “numerous functions he was tasked with in a professional and dedicated manner” prior to his removal.
It concluded by thanking Masi for his commitment and wishing him the best for the future.
