Formula 1: The former F1 race director Michael Masi has revealed that he got death threats after the controversial decision he took at the season finale of last year’s F1 2021 season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. In the aftermath of the decision, Masi felt like he was the ‘most hated man’ in the world. Follow Formula 1 LIVE Updates with InsideSport.IN
Masi spoke to News Corp and said, “There were some dark days. Meanwhile, I felt like I was the most hated man in the world. Moreover, I got death threats. People were saying they were going to come after my family and me.”
“They were shocking. Racist, abusive, vile, they called me every name under the sun. And they kept on coming. Not just on my Facebook but also on my LinkedIn, which is supposed to be a professional platform for business. It was the same type of abuse,” Masi added.
On the last lap of the season finale of last season, Lewis Hamilton seemed to be in the boxing seat to bring back the title, which would have been a record-breaking eighth in F1. But, Masi’s decision in the finale which was declared as ‘human error’ by an FIA examination saw Hamilton overtaken by Max Verstappen, with the Dutchman proceeding to take his first F1 title.
The two onboard views of that extraordinary final lap #AbuDhabiGP 🇦🇪 #F1 pic.twitter.com/1FiDGddxjC
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 16, 2021
MAX VERSTAPPEN. WORLD CHAMPION!!!
A stunning season by an extraordinary talent#HistoryMade #F1 @Max33Verstappen pic.twitter.com/FxT9W69xJe
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 12, 2021
Furthermore, Masi, who officially left the FIA recently after being replaced as race chief in the close season, likewise opened up on how the saga has affected him and his wellbeing.
The FIA have released a statement confirming Michael Masi has decided to leave the FIA and relocate to Australia to be closer to his family. pic.twitter.com/rNJUMye9vG
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) July 12, 2022
“I didn’t want to talk to anyone. Not even family and friends. Hence, I only talked to my close family but very briefly. It did have a physical impact. But it was more mental. I just wanted to be in a bubble. I had no desire to talk to them,” Masi further added.
“Thus, I just wanted to be alone, which was very challenging. The whole experience has made me a much stronger person,” Masi concluded.
Editors pick
