Aussie Masi sacked as F1 race director

Michael Masi has lost his job as Formula One's race director following his controversial role in the dramatic finale to the 2021 season.

The Australian official, who's been under fire ever since his much-debated decisions at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, has paid the price for his part in helping gift the world title to Max Verstappen at the expense of a disenchanted Lewis Hamilton.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the sport's governing body, Federation Internationale de l'Automobile, (FIA) said on Thursday that Masi would be offered a new, as yet unnamed role in the FIA.

It had been widely expected following the widespread criticism from Mercedes, whose driver Hamilton also said he felt the race was "manipulated", that Masi could not hold on to his job.

And the FIA confirmed that it will replace Masi with Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich in a wholesale restructuring of race control, which will also see the introduction of a Video Assistant Referee system similar to that used in football.

"I would like to inform you that a new race management team will be put in place starting in Barcelona for the test session next week," said Ben Sulayem.

"Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas will act alternatively as race director, assisted by Herbie Blash as permanent senior advisor.

"Michael Masi, who accomplished a very challenging job for three years as Formula 1 race director following Charlie Whiting, will be offered a new position within the FIA."

The controversy that has cost Masi his job happened in the heat of one of the great climaxes to any F1 season as Verstappen and Hamilton duelled for the title.

Following a late crash in December's race which meant a safety car had to be introduced while Hamilton was leading,